LIBRARY 

OF  THE 

UNIVERSITY  OF  CALIFORNIA. 

Gl  FT    OF 


, 


Tl 


g>far  of 


A  SACRED  DRAMA 

IN  FIVE  ACTS 

AND 

A  PRELUDE 

BY 

JOSEPH   CANTELLO 


COMMERCIAL    PRINTING    HOUSE 
LOS   ANGELES,   CAL. 


Copyright,  1907,  by 
JOSEPH  CANTELLO 

All  Stage  Rights  Strictly  Reserved 


FOREWORD 

It  has  been  my  purpose  in  this  drama  to  present  in 
a  wholly  reverential  spirit  incidents  connected  with  the 
advent  of  the  Messiah.  I  have  endeavored  to  convey, 
as  impressively  as  my  limited  powers  would  allow,  the 
contrast  between  the  vain  show  of  earthly  greatness,  as 
exemplified  in  the  empty  pomp  of  the  court  of  Augustus, 
"the  Master  of  the  W o rid,"  and  the  gorgeous,  oriental 
state  of  Herod,  Judea's  great,  but  wicked,  king,  with  the 
divine  glory  attending  the  seemingly  humble  birth  of  the 
Redeemer  of  Mankind. 

The  date  of  our  Savior's  birth  has  never  been  accu- 
rately determined.  The  time  fixed  for  the  beginning  of  the 
Christian  Era,  in  the  year  532  A.  D.,  by  the  monk 
Dionysius  Exiginus,  from  which  our  present  chronology 
is  computed,  namely,  753  from  the  foundation  of  Rome, 
is  obviously  wrong,  since  Herod  died  four  years  earlier. 

Many  facts  also  militate  against  the  commonly  ac- 
cepted view  that  Christ  was  born  in  the  last  year  of 
Herod's  reign.  The  words  of  the  angel  to  St  Joseph 
(Matthew  ii:i3)  :  " Arise,  take  the  young  child  and  his 
mother,  and  flee  into  Egypt,  and  be  thou  there  until  I 
bring  thee  word,"  would  seem  to  clearly  imply  that  some 
time  would  elapse  before  the  summons  for  the  Holy 


169453 


6  The   Star  of  Bethlehem 

Family  to  return  to  Palestine;  as  does  the  statement 
(Mattheiv  11:14-15):  "When  he  arose,  he  took  the 
young  child  and  his  mother  by  night,  and  departed  into 
Egypt ;  and  zvas  there  until  the  death  of  Herod"  It  does 
not  seem  probable  that  the  messenger  of  the  Most  High 
should  have  required  that  the  delicate  woman  and  tender 
infant  should  take  a  journey  involving  months  of  weari- 
some travel,  had  the  cruel  tyrant  already  been  stricken 
with  mortal  sickness,  so  some  more  easily  accessible  place 
of  concealment  would  suffice.  Moreover,  it  is  less  likely 
that  the  frightful  atrocity  of  the  ''Massacre  of  the  Inno- 
cents" should  have  escaped  the  pen  of  Josephus  had  it 
been  perpetrated  at  the  end  of  the  cruel  monarch's  blood- 
stained reign  rather  than  in  a  less  conspicuous  period  of 
his  life.  But  the  fact  that  to  my  mind  incontrovertibly 
establishes  the  correctness  of  the  date  I  have  selected  for 
the  birth  of  our  Lord,  745  from  the  foundation  of  Rome, 
is  that  in  this  year  Augustus  secured  from  the  Roman 
Senate  his  reappointment  as  Consul  for  the  express  pur- 
pose of  taking  a  census,  which  accords  with  the  statement 
(Luke  11  :i)  " 'And  it  came  to  pass  in  those  days  that 
there  went  out  a  decree  from  Caesar  Augustus  that  all 
the  world  should  be  taxed;"  since  the  taking  of  the  census 
of  the  empire  would  unquestionably  involve  the  imposi- 
tion of  a  poll-tax. 

I,  therefore,  feel  that  I  am  justifiable,  not  only  by 
historical  probability,  but  to  the  Christian  unimpeach- 
able authority  of  the  Holy  Scriptures,  in  my  decision 
in  this  respect;  and  in  tracing  the  domestic  miseries,  as 
well  as  the  horrible  bodily  sufferings,  probably  the  most 


The   Star   of  Bethlehem  7 

excruciating  physical  agonies  ever  endured  by  mortal 
man,  which  afflicted  Herod  in  his  last  days,  to  the  crown- 
ing horror  of  his  career  of  crime,  the  fiendish  slaughter 
of  the  helpless  babes  of  Bethlehem. 

For  the  rest,  I  have  followed  closely  the  traditions 
of  the  church,  the  gospel  narratives,  and  reliable  historical 
authorities  in  matters  not  of  my  own  invention.  Tales  of 
the  prodigies  recounted  in  Act  III  as  having  occurred  at 
Rome  at  the  time  of  the  Savior's  birth,  with  others,  are 
still  current  among  the  Catholics  of  Italy.  The  character 
of  Queen  Azili  is  imaginary,  as  is  the  circumstance  of  the 
death  of  the  infant  son  of  Herod  in  the  "Massacre  of  the 
Innocents;"  but  the  curses  supposedly  invoked  by  the 
bereaved  queen  upon  the  bloody  tyrant  were  literally  ful- 
filled. 

JOSEPH  CANTELLO, 

Los  Angeles,  Cal.,  November  25,  1907. 


CAST  OF  CHARACTERS 

ARCHANGEL. 

CAESAR-AUGUSTUS,  Emperor  of  Rome. 

HEROD,  King  of  Judea. 

ARISTOBULUS   }  ,,. 

f  His  sons. 
ANTIPATER       J 

JOSEPH  OF  NAZARETH,  husband  of  Mary. 

MAECENAS  j 

'    Counselors  of  Augustus. 
AGRIPPA       j 

JEUND,  a  shepherd  of  the  hills. 

MATTHEW,  a  lad,  his  under -shepherd. 

MEDOR,  shepherd  of  the  plains. 

FIRZI,  his  eldest  son. 

BENONI,  his  youngest. 

TOLLOMEO,  Captain  of  Herod's  guard. 

LUCIAN,  Secretary  of  Augustus. 

PHEON,  a  Greek  slave,  spy  of  Herod. 

MELCHIOR,    } 

CASPAR,          V    Three  Wise  Men  of  the  East. 

BALTHAZER  ) 

HIGH  PRIEST. 

PRIEST  OF  JUPITER. 

PAGE  TO  AUGUSTUS. 

PAGE  TO  HEROD. 


io  The   Star   of  Bethlehem 

SARAH,  wife  of  Jelind. 

HANNAH,  her  daughter. 

AMARILLA,  wife  of  Medor. 

LADY  OF  THE  COURT  OF  HEROD. 

EMPRESS  LIVIA,  wife  of  Augustus. 

QUEEN  AZILI,  wife  of  Herod. 

MARY,  mother  of  Jesus. 

ANGELS,  MESSENGERS  from  the  Provinces,  SCHOOLBOYS, 

LORDS  and  LADIES  of  the  Court  of  AUGUSTUS  and  HEROD, 

DOCTORS  of  the  Law,  SHEPHERDS,  PEOPLE  of  Jerusalem, 

SOLDIERS   and    SERVANTS.     Spirits   of   MARIANNA,    the 

murdered  wife  of  HEROD,  HYRCANUS,  her  grandfather, 

and  ARISTOBULUS,  her  brother. 


SYNOPSIS  OF  SCENERY 

PRELUDE. 

Heavens,  banked  with  luminous  clouds,  spanned  by 
a  rainbow. 

ACT  I. 

SCENE  I. — Audience  Hall  of  palace  of  Emperor  Caesar- 
Augustus  at  Rome.    Morning. 
SCENE  II. — Country  near  Bethlehem.    Late  afternoon. 

ACT  II. 
SCENE  I. — Home  of  Jelind,  in  hills  beyond  Bethlehem. 

Night. 
SCENE  II. — Exterior  of  the  Place  of  the  Nativity.    Night. 

ACT  III. 

Audience  Hall  of  the  palace  of  Emperor  Caesar- Augustus 
at  Rome.  Afternoon. 

ACT  IV. 

SCENE  I. — A  Street  in  Jerusalem.    Morning. 

SCENE  II. — Grand  Hall  of  the  palace  of  Herod  at  Jerusa- 
lem. Later  in  the  day. 

SCENE  III. — Place  of  the  Nativity.    The  same  night. 

SCENE  IV. — Anteroom  of  Herod's  private  apartments  in 
his  palace  at  Jerusalem.  Midnight. 


12  The   Star  of  Bethlehem 

ACTV. 
SCENE  I. — Interior  of  the  Place  of  the  Nativity.     Same 

night  as  in  Act.  IV. 
SCENE  II. — Garden  and  park  of  Herod's  palace  at  Hero- 

dium.     Late  in  the  afternoon  of  the  following  day. 


PRELUDE 


The  Star  of  Bethlehem 


A  bank  of  luminous  clouds,  completely  spanned  by  a  rcrin- 
boiv,  with  a  background  of  blue  sky.  Upon  the  arch 
of  the  bow  are  standing  fifteen  angels.  Seven  on  each 
side  are  clad  in  flowing  robes,  matching  the  colors 
of  the  bow,  with  gauzy  wings  to  correspond,  and 
starry  wreaths.  In  the  center  is  stationed  an  arch- 
angel, clad  in  purest  white,  with  white  wings.  He, 
also  wears  a  starry  wreath.  All  the  angels  hold 
golden  harps  or  dulcimers  in  their  hands,  except  the 
archangel,  who  has  a  long,  golden  trumpet.  The 
orchestra  plays  a  fanfare  as  the  curtain  rises,  when 
the  archangel  lowers  his  trumpet,  and  angels  sing. 

CHORUS  OF  ANGELS. 
Glory  be  to  God  in  the  highest! 
On  earth  peace,  to  men  good  will. 
Glory!     Glory!     Glory! 
Glory  in  the  highest! 
Glory  be  to  the  Father,  and  to  the  Son, 
And  to  the  Holy  Ghost! 
Amen! 


The   Star  of  Bethlehem 

[ARCHANGEL  SINGS.] 

SONG. 
Lo,  tidings  of  great  joy  we  bring 

To  men  this  happy  morn. 
Let  heaven  and  earth  with  rapture  ring, 
The  Prince  of  Peace  is  born. 

He  comes  the  bound  to  liberate, 

To  set  the  captives  free; 
The  poor  to  bid  with  hearts  elate 

The  dazvn  of  gladness  see. 

He  comes  to  sinners  free  from  shame, 
To  wounded  hearts  allay; 

And  unto  all  the  world  proclaim 
The  Lord's  accepted  day. 

CHORUS  OF  ANGELS. 


ACT  I. 


SCENE  I. 

Audience  Hall  of  the  Palace  of  EMPEROR  CAESAR-AUGUS- 
TUS at  Rome.  On  either  side  are  massive,  square, 
marble  pillars,  and  in  the  rear  is  a  colonnade  of  the 
same,  with  a  great  open  portal,  center,  beyond  which 
is  a  broad  corridor.  Left  front,  is  a  dais,  on  which 
are  two  antique  chairs  for  the  EMPEROR  and  EMPRESS. 
Beside  the  EMPEROR'S  chair  towards  the  front,  is  a 
small,  antique  stand.  Around  the  walls  are  arranged 
pedestals,  supporting  bronze  braziers,  in  which  fires 
are  burning  in  honor  of  the  gods.  There  are  closed 
bronze  doors  right  and  left.  The  floor  is  paved  with 
variegated  marbles. 

To  the  music  of  a  triumphal  march  the  imperial  court 
enters  through  corridor,  filing  in  left,  preceded  by  a 
guard  of  twelve  soldiers,  two  of  whom  station  them- 
selves on  either  side  of  the  portal,  while  the  others 
form  in  line  along  the  corridor  back.  A  page  slips 
in,  and  stations  himself  next  to  soldier,  right  of  por- 
tal. Lastly,  appear  the  EMPEROR  AUGUSTUS  and  the 
EMPRESS  LIVIA,  the  former  attended  by  his  counsel- 
ors, MAECENAS  and  AGRIPPA,  and  his  secretary,  Lu- 
CIAN,  and  the  latter  by  her  ladies  of  honor,  two  of 
whom  carry  her  train.  The  remainder  of  the  court 
range  themselves  on  the  right  of  the  hall,  while  MAE- 


20  The  Star  of  Bethlehem 

CENAS,  AGRIPPA  and  LUCIAN  take  their  places,  left 
front,  beside  the  EMPEROR'S  chair,  and  the  ladies  of 
honor  to  the  right  of  the  EMPRESS  back. 
AUGUSTUS  is  over  sixty  years  of  age,  but  still  vigorous 
and  active  in  mind  and  body;  and  his  face  still  bears 
traces  of  the  classic  beauty  which  was  his  in  youth. 
He  wears  a  purple  toga,  richly  embroidered  with  gold, 
and  his  head  is  crowned  with  a  wreath  of  gold  laurels. 
The  EMPRESS  LIVIA  is  still  in  the  prime  of  life,  and 
is  a  woman  of  rare  loveliness.  She  is  arrayed  in  a 
gorgeous  court  costume,  with  a  long,  gold-embroid- 
ered purple  mantle,  and  jewelled  tiara.  The  men  of 
the  court  wear  togas,  and  the  ladies  ceremonial  robes. 
MAECENAS  and  AGRIPPA  are  clad  in  the  pure  white 
togas  worn  by  Roman  senators.  The  page  wears  a 
simple  Greek  tunic,  and  LUCIAN  the  same,  with  a 
short  blue  cloak,  and  ink-horn  attached  to  his  girdle. 

ALL  THE  COURT. 
[In  chorus,  as  the  EMPEROR  and  EMPRESS  ascend  dais.] 

All  hail,  Augustus!     All  hail,  Augusta! 
[The  EMPEROR  and  EMPRESS  bow  in  acknowledgment  of 
the  salute,  and  seat  themselves.} 

AUGUSTUS. 

Admit  the  messengers. 

[PAGE  opens  door  right,  and  admits  seven  messengers, 
who  advance,  one  by  one,  to  foot  of  dais,  kneel,  and 
presents  rolls  of  papyrus.  AUGUSTUS  receives  each 
roll  with  a  gracious  nod  of  the  head,  and  lays  it  on 
stand.} 


The  Star  of  Bethlehem  21 

FIRST  MESSENGER. 
From  the  Pro-Consul  of  Gaul,  O  Caesar. 

SECOND  MESSENGER. 
From  the  Pro-Consul  of  Egypt,  O  Caesar. 

THIRD  MESSENGER. 
From  the  Pro-Consul  of  Carthage,  O  Caesar. 

FOURTH  MESSENGER. 
From  the  Pro-Consul  of  Spain,  O  Caesar. 

FIFTH  MESSENGER. 

From  Varus,  Commander  of  the  Legions  in  Germany, 
O  Caesar. 

SIXTH  MESSENGER. 

From  Quintillus,  Commander  of  the  Legions  in  Britain, 
O  Caesar. 

SEVENTH  MESSENGER. 
From  Herod,  King  of  Judea,  O  Caesar. 

AUGUSTUS. 
[bowing.} 

Tis  well.    Now  the  petitions  from  the  people. 
[Page  brings  in  basket  filled  with  rolls  of  papyrus.] 

All  petitions  from  my  people,  patrician  or  plebeian,  Ro- 
man or  foreign,  shall  receive  my  prompt  attention. 
[Rises  and  turns  to  Secretary.]  Take  these  and  them 
to  thy  study,  Lucian.  [Indicates  by  gestures  rolls  on 
stand  and  in  basket.]  I  will  see  thee  in  my  closet  later. 

LUCIAN. 

Thy  will  is  mine,  O  Caesar. 
[  LUCIAN  picks  up  rolls  on  stand,  and  exits,  center,  after 


22  The   Star  of  Bethlehem 

beckoning  to  page,  who  takes  up  basket  and  follows 
him.    AUGUSTUS  turns  to  the  EMPRESS.] 

AUGUSTUS. 

Do  thou,  my  dear  Livia,  entertain  our  court,  and  the 
strangers  from  afar,  in  our  gardens,  while  I  consult  with 
my  faithful  counselors,  the  noble  Maecenas  and  Agrippa. 

EMPRESS  LIVIA. 
[Rising  and  b owing.] 
I  obey,  my  lord. 

ALL  THE  COURT. 

[in  chorus.] 

All  hail,  Augustus !     All  hail,  Augusta ! 
[The  entire  court,  with  the  exception  of  MAECENAS  and 
AGRIPPA,  file  out,  the  EMPRESS  and  her  ladies  last.] 

AUGUSTUS. 
[to  MAECENAS.] 

Has  my  edict  commanding  the  inhabitants  of  all  lands 
in  the  Roman  dominions  to  repair  to  the  place  of  the 
family  origin,  that  all  should  be  registered  for  taxation, 
been  duly  promulgated? 

MAECENAS. 
[bowing.] 

It  hath,  Illustrious.  Thine  order  was  promptly  obeyed, 
and  thy  will  is  now  known  to  all  subjects  of  Rome,  even 
to  the  most  remote  boundaries  of  the  empire. 

AUGUSTUS. 

"Tis  well.  I  know  I  can  always  depend  upon  the  zeal 
of  thyself  and  the  noble  Agrippa. 


The   Star  of  Bethlehem  23 

MAECENAS  AND  AGRIPPA. 

[together] 

It  is  ever  our  pleasure  to  carry  out  thy  commands,  O 
Caesar. 

AUGUSTUS. 
[bowing.] 

Thanks,  trusty  friends.     I  pray  you  listen  to  my  new 

edict. 

[AUGUSTUS  advances  to  center,  and  takes  roll  of  papyrus 
from  the  bosom  of  his  toga.  MAECENAS  and  AGRIPPA 
station  themselves  on  either  side  of  him.  Unfastens 
roll  and  reads.] 

More  than  seven  centuries  have  lapsed  since  Rome  was 
founded,  and  seldom  has  she  enjoyed  the  blessings  of 
peace.  Only  twice  in  her  whole  history  previous  to  our 
time  have  been  closed  the  portals  of  the  temple  of  Janus, 
her  double-faced  God  of  War :  once,  for  a  year  after  its 
erection  by  the  benign  Numa  Pompilius,  and  for  a  like 
period  at  the  close  of  the  first  war  with  Carthage,  under 
the  consulship  of  Manlius  Tarquaus.  The  very  founda- 
tion-stones of  Rome  were  cemented  in  blood ;  for  ere  its 
walls  had  been  reared  by  the  wolf-nourished,  twin 
brothers,  Romulus  and  Remus,  they  quarreled  over  the 
name  of  the  city,  and  the  former  slew  the  latter.  Then 
the  bold  Romans,  exclusively  men,  seized  the  women  of 
their  neighbors,  the  Sabines,  who  took  up  arms  to  rescue 
their  stolen  wives,  and  dishonored  daughters.  But  the 
Sabine  women  interceded  for  peace,  and  the  contending 
hosts  became  as  brothers.  As  the  young  nation  grew  and 


2^  The  Star  of  Bethlehem 

prospered,  so  narrow  became  the  boundaries  within  the 
walls  that  a  citizen  could  not  leave  his  door  without  tread- 
ing upon  his  neighbor's  soil.  Therefore,  her  brave  sons 
were  forced  to  cut  their  way  out,  and  win  lands  for  them- 
selves with  their  blood.  Thus  was  Rome  even  in  infancy 
compelled  to  draw  the  sword ;  but  victory  then,  as  almost 
invariably  since,  perched  upon  her  banners,  and  repeat- 
edly was  the  new  city  decorated  with  palms  of  triumph. 
Returning  victorious  from  their  conquests,  scarcely  had 
her  valiant  warriors  laid  down  their  arms,  when  they  were 
obliged  to  take  them  up  against  their  own  sovereign,  Tar- 
quinius,  the  Superb,  who  had  not  only  slain  senators,  but 
violated  Lucretia,  an  estimable  Roman  matron,  and  com- 
pelled the  noble  Virginius  to  slay  with  his  own  hands  his 
only  daughter,  the  fair  Virginia,  to  save  her  from  dis- 
honor. Tarquinius,  the  last  to  wear  the  Latin  crown, 
having  been  driven  into  exile  with  all  his  progeny,  for  two 
hundred  and  forty-four  years  Rome  enjoyed  liberty  under 
the  rule  of  the  consuls;  but  they  were  years  of  constant 
conflict.  First  came  the  subjugation  of  Italy,  then  the 
long  struggle  with  Carthage,  followed  by  a  series  of  civil 
wars,  including  the  Agrarian  uprising  under  the  Gracci, 
and  fierce  contest  between  the  Plebeians  and  Patricians 
under  Marius  and  Sulla,  culminating  in  the  treachery  of 
the  Senate,  that  forced  my  illustrious  uncle,  the  immortal 
Julius,  who  after  conquering  all  Gaul,  had  led  his  victor- 
ious legions  into  the  land  of  the  Germans,  and  the  cliff- 
lined  isle  of  Britain,  to  invade  Italy  in  order  to  maintain 
his  rights,  and  restore  tranquility  to  the  Roman  state. 
When,  this  accomplished,  he  was  foully  assassinated  in 


The   Star   of  Bethlehem  25 

the  Senate-chamber,  and  I,  with  the  aid  of  Antony,  had 
avenged  his  death,  I  was  myself  compelled  to  wage  war 
against  my  unfaithful  ally,  and  his  paramour,  Cleopatra, 
to  wipe  out  the  insult  to  his  wife,  my  fair  sister,  Octavia, 
whom  he  had  basely  deserted  for  that  dissolute  queen. 
Having  overcome  this  guilty  pair,  and  stamped  out  re- 
bellion in  our  dominions,  I  thereupon  ordered  closed  the 
portals  of  the  temples  of  Janus.  But  revolt  broke  out 
in  our  Eastern  provinces,  and  yet  once  again  was  I  forced 
to  draw  the  sword.  Now,  having  crushed  out  every  spark 
of  sedition,  I  have  once  more  closed  the  doors  of  the 
temple  of  the  God  of  War;  and  pray  that  peace,  like  a 
balmy,  summer  breeze,  may  waft  unto  all  lands  owning 
the  Roman  sway,  prosperity  and  felicity  to  all  loyal  sub- 
jects. 

MAECENAS. 

Truly,  Illustrious,  in  Latin  soil  hath  too  luxuriantly 
flourished  the  gloomy  cypress,  even  though  by  its  side 
ever  spring  victorious  palms,  and  triumphant  laurels.  We 
Romans  cannot  but  rejoice  that  under  thy  benign  rule  we 
may  spend  our  days  in  the  shade  of  the  olive  of  peace. 
But  surely  thou  wouldst  not  have  us  forget  that  Rome 
would  not  be  the  great  power  she  is,  did  not  her  sons 
callous  their  hands  by  the  use  of  the  sword,  gray  their 
hair  under  the  helmet,  and  decorate  with  glorious  wounds 
their  dauntless  breasts? 

AUGUSTUS. 
Nay,  Maecenas ! 

AGRIPPA. 
Forsooth,  O  Caesar,  peace  is  a  great  boon  to  mankind, 


96  The   Star   of  Bethlehem 

but  too  often  it  brings  enervation.  Therefore,  I  would 
counsel  that  the  present  state  of  military  inactivity  should 
only  be  sufficiently  prolonged  to  afford  our  gallant  war- 
riors a  needed  rest,  and  enable  the  people  to  recuperate 
their  depleted  resources.  Occasion  for  war  cannot  fail  to 
arise.  For  the  barbarians  upon  our  borders  will  be  prone 
to  mistake  magnanimity  for  weakness ;  and  in  so  vast  an 
empire  as  that  of  Rome,  comprising  many  diverse  races 
and  nations,  jealousies,  bickerings,  and  disloyal  conspira- 
cies, are  bound  to  create  disturbances,  that  must  be  crushed 
with  an  iron  hand. 

AUGUSTUS. 

Thou  speakest  like  a  true  soldier,  Agrippa;  but  thou 
mistakest  my  purpose.  The  peace  I  would  establish  is 
not  that  which  will  encourage  vicious  habits,  and  rob  our 
Roman  youth  of  virile  power.  Enervating  luxury  and 
debauchery  shall  be  sternly  suppressed,  the  new  defenders 
of  the  state  shall  be  trained  from  early  adolescence  in  all 
warlike  exercises  by  such  true  and  tried  veterans  as  thy- 
self, and  Rome  shall  always  in  the  midst  of  peace  be 
fully  prepared  for  war. 

AGRIPPA. 

I  stand  rebuked,  O  Caesar,  for  my  presumption  in  deem- 
ing that  I  could  enlighten  thy  wisdom. 

AUGUSTUS. 

Nay,  noble  Agrippa,  thy  advice  had  been  welcome  had 
the  same  consideration  not  already  dawned  upon  my  mind. 
What  say  ye  to  the  diction  of  my  proclamation,  good 
friends  ? 


The   Star   of  Bethlehem  37 

MAECENAS. 

Verily  the  gods  inspired  thy  utterances,  Illustrious. 
Thy  words  should  be  inscribed  on  tablets  of  gold,  and  be- 
queathed to  posterity  as  a  precious  heritage. 

AGRIPPA. 

Surely,  O  Caesar,  none  born  of  woman  can  be  greater 
than  thou,  or  give  voice  to  sayings  that  shall  be  so  in- 
delibly engraven  upon  the  memories  of  men. 

AUGUSTUS. 
[smiling.} 
Flatterers ! 


SCENE  II. 

A  country  landscape.  Hills,  covered  with  olive-groves 
and  vineyards,  among  which  a  road  zvinds.  Glimpse 
of  the  town  of  Bethlehem  in  the  background,  right. 
Slightly  right  of  center,  is  a  low  hillock,  surmounted 
by  a  large  palm  tree.  Yellow  light  of  late  afternoon 
pervades  the  scene. 

Enter  JOSEPH,  left,  leading  laden  donkey  on  which  MARY 
is  seated,  her  form  enveloped  in  a  long  blue  mantle, 
with  hood.  Joseph  wears  a  plain  brown  robe,  with 
leather  girdle  to  which  money-pouch  is  attached. 

JOSEPH. 

How  pained  am  I  at  the  sight  of  thy  weariness,  my  dear 
Mary.  This  hath  indeed  been  a  hard  journey  for  thee, 
in  thy  state,  and  in  this  inclement  season. 


28  The  Star  of  Bethlehem 

MARY. 

And  thou,  beloved  Joseph,  I  perceive  art  dreadfully 
tired.  But  Divine  Providence  hath  decreed  that  we  should 
suffer,  and  we  must  not  repine.  We  are  almost  at  our 
journey's  end;  for  yonder  is  the  town  of  Bethlehem,  and 
the  Lord,  who  hath  sustained  us  thus  far,  will  give  us 
strength  to  endure  to  the  end. 

JOSEPH. 

Yea,  Mary,  I  know  that  Jehovah  ordains  all  things  for 
the  best,  and  am  resigned  to  His  will.  But  let  me  help 
thee  to  dismount ;  and  do  thou  rest  here,  while  I  go  unto 
the  town,  and  engage  lodgings  for  the  night.  It  may  re- 
quire a  considerable  search,  for  I  am  told  the  place  is 
crowded. 

MARY. 

As  thou  wilt,  dear  husband.    But  I  pray  thee  to  hasten 
thy  return,  since  night  draweth  nigh. 
[JOSEPH   helps  her  to  alight,  and  she  seats  herself  on 

knoll  at  foot  of  palm  tree.    Exit  JOSEPH  right.] 
Mine  eyes  are  heavy  with  sleep.     I  will  repose  here 
awhile  during  Joseph's  absence.    O  God,  my  Father!    I 
know  naught  can  befall  me  except  by  Thy  will.    Into  Thy 
hands  I  commend  my  spirit. 

[She  sleeps.    Angels  sing  without,  the  sound  seeming  to 
issue  from  the  air  above  her.] 

CHORUS  OF  ANGELS. 
Hail  Mary,  full  of  grace! 

The  Lord  is  with  thee. 
Blessed  art  thou  among  women. 


The  Star  of  Bethlehem  29 

[At  the  close  of  chorus  there  is  a  brief  pause,  and  MARY 

awakes.} 

MARY. 
[Arising,  crossing  hands   upon   her   breast,  and    raising 

eyes.} 

My  soul  what  hast  thou  heard  ?  The  hour  for  the  ful- 
fillment of  the  holy  mystery,  foretold  to  me  by  the  angel 
in  the  garden  is  at  hand.  The  Lord  of  Life  is  about  to  des- 
cend from  Heaven,  and  take  human  form  through  me,  the 
humblest  of  His  handmaids.  Almighty  God,  how  can  I 
thank  Thee  for  choosing  me  as  the  mother  of  Thy  blessed 
Son !  May  mine  eyes  be  prepared  to  behold  the  dawn  of 
the  light  of  heaven  on  a  sin-cursed  world ;  and  mine  ears 
opened  to  hear  the  divine  utterances  of  the  long-expected 
Messiah.  Holy  Ghost,  my  spiritual  spouse,  inspire  my 
soul  that  I  may  be  worthy  of  this  transcendent  honor. 
But,  O,  my  Divine  Son,  where  shall  I  find  shelter  for 
Thee?  In  what  cradle  shall  I  lay  Thy  infant  form?  No, 
my  faith  shall  not  falter.  I  am  the  handmaid  of  Jehovah 
who  will  provide  all  things  needful  for  him  and  me. 
[Glances  doivn  the  road,  right.}  Some  one  approaches. 
It  may  be  a  lawless  man.  I  will  conceal  myself. 
[She  slips  behind  palm-tree.  Enter  JELIND,  right,  wearing 

sheepskin  coat,  leggings,  and  cap,  and  carrying  bundle 

suspended    on    shepherd's    crook    swung    over    his 

shoulder. 

JELIND. 

[Muttering  to  himself  as  he  enters.} 
That  Emperor  Augustus  must  be  crazy !     [Advances  to 
center,  puts  doivn  bundle  and  sits  down  upon  it.} 


So  The   Star  of  Bethlehem 

Wherefore  made  he  us  poor  folks  from  all  over  the 
country  go  unto  Bethlehem  to  be  registered  and  taxed, 
I'd  like  to  know  ?  Methinks  his  tax  collectors  could  easily 
have  found  all  of  us  at  our  homes.  Not  but  what  it's 
bad  enough  to  be  taxed  one  place  or  another.  They  say 
he  wanted  to  find  out  how  many  people  there  were  in  the 
world.  To  think  of  that!  What  business  is  it  of  his? 
But,  besides,  he  wanted  us  all  to  pay  him  a  tribute.  Ah, 
that's  the  gist  of  the  whole  matter !  Emperors,  kings  and 
all  other  kinds  of  rulers,  are  always  up  to  that  trick.  It's 
easy  for  them  to  say,  tax  here,  and  tax  there ;  but  precious 
hard  is  it  for  the  poor  to  pay.  And  wherefore  take  they 
our  hard-earned  pennies?  Verily,  but  to  pile  up  gold  of 
which  they  can  make  no  real  use.  [Rises.]  Me- 
thinks the  great  folk  are  all  half-cracked,  anyway. 
Herod  is  always  doing  the  craziest  things,  for  all  he  is 
called  the  Great ;  and  it  seemeth  this  wonderful  Augustus- 
Caesar  isn't  much  better.  Like  the  pulling  of  teeth  was 
it  for  me  to  sell  that  good,  fat  sheep  to  pay  his  tribute. 
But  it  was  a  case  of  needs  must;  for  had  I  not  gone  and 
paid,  his  officers  would  have  been  down  upon  me  in  no 
time,  and  cleaned  out  the  house.  No  matter,  I  registered, 
I  paid.  I  am  a  loyal  subject,  and  an  honest  citizen.  Let 
it  go  at  that.  [Picks  up  bundle.]  I  must  be  trudging 
on  homeward.  [Takes  a  few  steps,  looks  back  over  left 
shoulder  and  sees  MARY.]  There  is  a  woman  hiding  be- 
hind that  palm  tree.  I  wonder  wherefore  doth  she  that? 
Verily,  must  she  be  afraid  of  me.  [Laughs.}  Mayhap 
she  hath  lost  her  way?  I'll  find  out.  Come  forth,  O 
woman !  I  will  hurt  thee  not,  I'm  an  honest  man. 


The  Star  of  Bethlehem  31 

[Mary  steps  from  behind  tree.    JELIND  stares  at  her  in 
open-mouth  admiration.} 

MARY. 
Peace  be  unto  thee,  friend. 

JELIND. 

[Making  a  low,  awkward  obeisance.] 
Peace  be  unto  thee,  gracious  lady.    My  stars,  but  thou 
art  beautiful!    Whence  comest  thou? 

MARY. 

[Coming  forward,  center.] 

I  came  from  Nazareth,  with  my  husband.  He  hath  gone 
unto  Bethlehem  to  engage  us  lodgings  for  the  night,  and 
I  await  his  return  here. 

JELIND. 

A  good  time  he'll  have  finding  them,  I  promise  thee. 
People  there  are  packed  together  like  pressed  figs,  the 
place  is  so  crowded.  [Glances  out,  right.]  Behold  a  man 
approacheth  by  the  road  "yonder.  Perchance  that  is  thy 
husband  ? 

[Enter  JOSEPH,  right.] 

MARY. 

[Turning  to  JOSEPH] 

What  was  the  result  of  thy  search,  my  dear  Joseph? 
Surely  thou  wast  able  to  find  some  kind  of  shelter  for  the 
night  ? 

JOSEPH. 

[Shaking  his  head  sadly] 

Nay,  dearest  Mary,  we  are  in  God's  hands.  I  sought 
diligently,  but  could  find  no  place  for  us  to  lay  our  heads. 


32  The   Star  of  Bethlehem 

MARY. 

[Clasping  her  hands.] 
Alas!    Alas!     [Weeps.] 

JOSEPH. 
[  Throwing  his  arms  about  her  shoulders,  and  drawing  her 

head  down  upon  his  breast.] 

Be  comforted,  dear  Mary.  Jehovah  hath  us  in  His 
keeping,  as  thoti  hast  always  said.  Let  us  put  our  trust 
in  Him. 

JELIND. 
[Aside.] 

Verily,  that  lady  hath  the  face  of  an  angel.  I  could 
kneel  before  her.  Mayhap  I  can  think  of  a  plan  to  help 
her  and  her  noble-looking  husband  out  of  their  fix.  I'll 
speak  to  them. 

MARY. 

[Lifting  her  head  from  JOSEPH'S  shoulders,  taking  hand- 
kerchief from  her  bosom,  and  wiping  her  eyes.] 
Yea,  Joseph.    My  faith  did  but  fail  me  for  the  instant. 
The  Lord  is  our  refuge.     He  will  protect  us,  now  and 
ever. 

JELIND. 

[Taking  a  step  towards  them,  and  making  a  low  obei- 
sance.] 
Peace  be  unto  thee,  good  Rabbi. 

JOSEPH. 

Peace  be  unto  thee,  friend.  But  call  me  not,  "Good 
Rabbi."  Goodness  pertains  only  to  God.  And  no  rabbi 
am  I,  but  only  a  simple  carpenter  of  Nazareth. 


The  Star   of  Bethlehem  33 

JELIND. 

[Staring  at  him  in  blank  amazement.} 
A  carpenter?     A  workingman?     And  thou  the  hus- 
band of  the  loveliest  woman  in  the  whole  world?    How 
can  that  be? 

JOSEPH. 
By  God's  great  grace,  my  friend. 

JELIND. 

[Gazing  at  him  intently.] 
But  surely  thou  art  of  some  high  family? 

JOSEPH. 

[With  an  air  of  regal  dignity.] 
Yea,  friend.    I  am  of  the  house  of  David. 

JELIND. 
[Excitedly.] 

I  knew  it!  I  knew  it!  Thou  art  a  king  by  right, 
though  thou  hast  no  throne.  It  seemeth  kings,  like  other 
folk,  get  not  always  their  dues.  But  think  me  not  im- 
pertinent, if  I  ask  art  thou  not  one  of  those  who  cometh 
to  Bethlehem  to  register,  and  be  taxed,  in  obedience  to 
the  order  of  the  great  emperor? 

JOSEPH. 
Even  so,  friend. 

JELIND. 

And  as  I  was  telling  thy  most  beautiful  and  gracious 
lady  but  now,  thou  couldst  find  no  place  of  shelter  there  ? 

JOSEPH. 
None. 


34  The   Star  of  Bethlehem 

JELIND. 

Yea,  verily.  I  went  unto  the  town  last  night;  and  so 
great  was  the  multitude  gathered  there  that  the  time  of 
my  life  had  I  in  rinding  a  place  to  rest  my  weary  bones. 
I  sought  the  inn,  and  all  the  other  houses  of  entertain- 
ment; but  the  landlords  drove  me  away  like  a  dog.  Had 
I  been  rich,  they  would  have  been  more  polite,  though 
that  would  not  have  found  me  lodging  where  none  was 
to  be  had.  One  made  a  great  favor  of  giving  me  a  stoop 
of  wine,  half  water,  and  then  had  I  to  pay  double.  That 
is  the  way  of  the  world.  [Surveys  JOSEPH'S  clothing 
critically.]  A  poor  man,  in  working  clothes,  even  though 
he  be  a  son  of  David,  will  be  treated  with  scant  ceremony 
these  times.  Even  ye  shall  see  it,  my  noble  friends,  even 
ye  shall  see  it. 

JOSEPH. 

But  surely  some  shelter  can  be  found  in  the  town,  in 
a  private  house,  or  the  synagogue,  a  corner  at  least  for 
my  poor  wife? 

JELIND. 

Alas,  no !  There  is  no  chance  of  it.  People  have  been 
flocking  thither  all  day;  and  last  night  they  were  packed 
like  eggs  in  a  basket,  in  the  Synagogue,  the  public  square, 
and  the  streets.  There  wasn't  an  inch  of  room  to  spare, 
no  matter  which  way  you  turned.  And  many  a  man  was 
given  such  a  jab,  that  he  went  down,  and  was  half 
trampled  to  death  by  the  crowd.  I  myself  spent  the  night 
in  the  porch  of  the  Synagogue ;  but  I  had  to  fight  for  my 
place.  At  such  a  time  as  this,  it  is  every  man  for  him- 
self I  can  tell  thee. 


The   Star   oj  Bethlehem  35 

JOSEPH. 


What  are  we  to  do? 


[Scratching  his  head  thoughtfully.] 
Let  me  see.  Some  way  there  must  be  of  getting  thee  out 
of  this  fix.  I  would  my  home  were  nearer.  Thou  wouldst 
be  most  welcome  there  ;  and  my  good  wife,  Sarah,  and  my 
daughter,  Hannah,  would  be  delighted  to  minister  unto 
thy  gracious  lady.  But  it  is  much  too  far  away.  It 
would  not  be  possible  for  the  lady  to  stand  so  long  a 
journey.  And  night  is  coming  on. 

[Lights  are  slowly  lowered.] 

MARY. 

Think  thou  not  we  could  find  in  the  town  a  shed,  or 
even  a  stable,  in  which  I  could  spend  the  night  ? 

JELIND. 

[Shaking  his  head  emphatically.] 
Nay,  sweet  lady.  If  such  a  place  were  to  be  found,  it 
would  be  sure  to  be  frequented  by  rough  men,  whose 
language  would  shock  thee,  even  if  they  did  not  have  the 
presumption  to  actually  offer  thee  insult.  [  Claps  hands  to 
his  head.]  A  stable!  Ah,  I  have  it!  There  is  in  yonder 
hill  [points  out  right,]  a  cave  some  one  once  made  into 
a  stable,  but  which  hath  been  long  disused.  It  is  a  poor 
place  enough,  but  weather-tight,  and  sheltered  from  the 
wind.  Often  have  I  folded  my  flocks  there,  when  they 
have  strayed  hither  on  cold,  winter  nights,  and  found  it 
very  comfortable. 


36  The   Star  of  Bethlehem 

MARY. 

Verily,  the  Lord  hath  sent  thee  to  our  deliverance,  kind 
shepherd.  Come,  Joseph,  we  will  seek  this  refuge  Je- 
hovah hath  provided  for  us,  as  soon  as  thou  hast  re- 
warded this  poor  man  for  his  service. 

JOSEPH. 

Yea,  Mary.  How  shall  we  discover  this  place  of  which 
thou  speakest,  friend? 

JELIND. 

Nothing  could  be  easier.  Follow  the  high-road  until 
thou  comest  to  a  place  where  two  roads  join  it,  and  take 
the  right.  Then  descend  to  the  plain  by  the  trail  to  the 
left,  and  thou  shalt  see  it. 

JOSEPH. 
It  is  far,  then? 

JEUND. 

Nay,  not  more  than  two  good  throws  from  where  the 
trail  branches  off,  which  is  scarce  a  quarter  of  a  mile  from 
the  turn  in  the  highway  yonder,  where  the  roads  meet. 
[Points  out  right.] 

JOSEPH. 

Thanks,  friend.  [Takes  coin  from  pouch  attached  to 
his  girdle,  and  extends  it  to  JELIND.]  Take  this  piece  of 
silver  as  small  payment  for  thy  kindness. 

JELIND. 

[Drawing  back,  with  a  gesture  of  refusal.] 
Nay,  noble  Master  Joseph.     Thou  seest  I  must  give 
thee  some  title.    I  am  a  poor  man,  but  I  would  not  have 


The  Star  of  Bethlehem  37 

thee  pay  me  for  the  small  help  I  give  thee  and  thy  most 
lovely  lady  gladly.     But  suffer  me  to  kiss  thy  hand. 

JOSEPH. 

[Putting  money  back  in  pouch.] 
Then,  the  Lord  reward  thee. 

[JOSEPH  extends  hand,  while  JELIND  drops  to  one  knee 
and  kisses  it  fervently.  As  the  latter  rises,  MARY 
also  extends  hers,  but  he  draws  back.} 

JELIND. 

Nay,  divinely  beautiful  lady,  thou  art  too  far  above  me, 
for  me  to  even  touch  the  hem  of  thy  garment.  Thy  face 
shineth  like  unto  some  glorious  star.  Surely  the  spirit 
of  the  Lord  is  upon  thee. 

MARY. 

Thou  makest  me  blush  with  thy  praises,  friend.  But 
verily  the  Most  High  hath  favored  me,  His  handmaid, 
in  a  way  thou  knowest  not  of.  His  peace  be  unto  thee, 
and  unto  thy  household. 

JEUND. 

[With  a  deep  obeisance.} 
And  unto  thee  and  thine,  most  gracious  lady. 
[JELIND  zvalks  backward  reverently  to  left,  i,  and  exits.} 

JOSEPH. 

Verily,  from  the  simple  ones  of  earth  Jehovah  hath 
perfected  praise.  "Blessed  is  the  man  that  feareth  the 
Lord."  Now,  Mary,  let  us  seek  our  humble  shelter.  I 
have  tethered  our  beast  yonder,  that  thou  mayest  ride 
thither. 


38  The  Star  of  Bethlehem 

MARY. 

Yea,  Joseph.  How  wonderful  are  the  ways  of  the 
Lord,  our  God!  Behold  how  He  raised  up  for  us  this 
humble  friend  in  our  hour  of  direful  need.  Blessed  is 
the  name  of  the  Lord. 

[They  walk  slowly  towards  right.     Rosy  gleam,  as  of 
afterglow,  illuminates  the  scene.} 


ACT  II. 


SCENE  I. 

Home  of  JELIND.  Precipitous,  rocky  hills,  with  a  back- 
ground of  deep,  blue  sky,  pierced  here  and  there,  so 
that  the  light  from  behind  represents  the  gleam  of 
stars.  Left,  front,  is  a  square,  stone  cottage,  with 
practical  door,  through  the  chinks  of  which  light 
streams.  The  scene  is  dark,  as  on  a  clear,  starry 
night. 

[Enter  JELIND,  right  with  bundle  suspended  from  shep- 
herd's crook,  as  before.  He  walks  slowly  and  halt- 
ingly, as  if  very  tired.] 

JEUND. 

[Beginning  to  speak  as  he  enters.] 
Verily,  was  it  a  wise  man  that  made  the  proverb,  "The 
night  was  created  for  fools."  A  fine  time  have  I  had 
picking  my  way  over  the  rough  hill  roads  this  dark  night. 
[Halts  center.]  It  wasn't  only  the  darkness  that  bothered 
me  either.  The  angelic  face  of  that  woman,  I  met  just 
out  of  Bethlehem,  set  my  poor  brains  wool-gathering  so, 
it's  no  wonder  I  missed  the  path  more  than  once.  [Sighs 
heavily.]  That  last  mile  or  two  was  a  hard  pull;  but 
now  that  I  am  home  at  last,  I  am  almost  rested.  [Glances 
toward  house.]  I  see  light  shining  through  the  cracks 


42  The   Star   of  Bethlehem 

in  the  door.     I  wonder  what  hath  kept  the  folks  up  so 

late? 

[He  puts  down  bundle,  approaches  cottage,  hears  voices 
within,  and  puts  ear  to  chink  in  door.  After  listen- 
ing a  moment,  he  straightens  himself,  and  retreats 
a  step  or  two. 

They  speak  of  a  beautiful  young  man.  What  mean 
they?  [Scratches  head  thoughtfully.}  Perchance  some 
gay,  young  spark  would  fain  woo  my  sweet  child,  Hannah. 
An  that  be  so,  I'll  soon  put  a  stop  to  such  folly.  When 
she  be  old  enough  I  shall  betroth  her  to  Matthew,  who 
is  an  honest  lad,  and  the  best  hand  I  ever  had  with  the 
sheep.  [Pounds  forcibly  on  door  with  fist.] 

MATTHEW. 

[within.] 
Who  art  thou  that  disturbest  us  at  this  hour? 

JELIND. 
[impaitently.] 
Who?    Why,  I,  Jelind,  thy  master.     Who  else? 

MATTHEW. 
[angrily.} 

Go  thou  about  thy  business.  My  master  is  in  Bethle- 
hem. Thou  art  that  same  roystering  fellow  who  last 
night  did  hammer  on  our  door;  and  when  I  didst  open 
took  to  thy  heels.  An  had  I  not  a  woman  and  a  damsel 
to  protect,  I  would  e'en  issue  forth  and  give  thee  a  sound 
drubbing. 


[Furiously,  pounding  again  on  door. 


The  Star  of  Bethlehem  43 

Open!    Open!    I,  Jelind,  command  thee! 

SARAH. 
[within.] 

It  is  he !    That  is  my  husband's  voice !    Open  quickly. 

[The   door  is   thrown   violently   open;   and   MATTHEW, 

SARAH,  and  HANNAH,  all  rush  out  together.    JELIND 

backs  away  toward  center,  as  if  fearful  they  had  lost 

their  senses.] 

MATTHEW. 
Wonderful,  master,  wonderful! 

SARAH. 
Marvelous ! 

HANNAH. 
Oh,  Father,  such  a  sight  as  we  have  seen ! 

JELIND. 
[impatiently.] 
Then  tell  it  me,  and  speak  not  all  at  once. 

SARAH. 
Do  thou  tell  it,  Hannah. 

MATTHEW. 

Yea,  Hannah,  thou  canst  relate  it  best.  Thou  seest 
the  wonder  first. 

HANNAH. 

Lo,  Father,  scarce  an  hour  since,  as  I  was  milking  the 
goats  in  the  stable,  while  Matthew  was  folding  the  sheep, 
there  suddenly  shone  round  about  me  a  light  brighter 
than  the  sun  at  noonday.  Then  straightway  appeared 


44  The   Star  of  Bethlehem 

in  the  midst  of  it,  the  doors  being  shut,  a  form  like  unto 
a  young  man,  clad  in  shining,  white  raiment,  whose  face 
was  fair  as  the  dawn-light  upon  the  mountains.  There- 
upon, came  in  mother  and  Matthew;  and  the  beautiful 
youth  spake  unto  us,  in  tones  sweeter  than  the  most  beau- 
tiful music,  saying  ''This  night  is  the  Messiah  born  at 
Bethlehem.  Go  ye  thither,  and  adore  Him.  Ye  will  find 
Him  laid  in  a  manger."  And  he  vanished  from  our  sight. 
Surely  he  was  an  angel  of  the  Lord. 

J£LIND. 

Yea,  verily.  Yet  wherefore  an  angel  should  be  sent 
to  poor,  simple  shepherd-folk  in  sooth  I  know  not. 
[Assumes  an  air  of  deep  reverence.]  But,  verily,  the 
ways  of  Jehovah  are  beyond  comprehension  of  men. 
[He  takes  off  his  hat  as  he  menntions  the  sacred  name. 
MATTHEW  also  takes  off  hat,  and  all  bow.} 

SARAH. 

Already  had  we  made  preparations  to  go  and  seek  the 
Holy  Babe,  expecting  thee  not  home  until  the  morrow. 
But  now  that  thou  art  here,  thou  must  needs  sup,  and  take 
thy  rest;  and  early  in  the  morning  will  we  go  forth,  and 
find  Him. 

JELIND. 

Nay,  I  will  but  eat  some  bread  and  cheese,  and  drink 
a  draught  of  milk,  then  shall  we  start.  Yet  whither  shall 
we  seek  the  Blessed  One.  In  Bethlehem  is  such  confusion 
that  naught  will  we  learn  there.  [Claps  hands  to  head.] 
Ah,  a  great  light  dawneth  upon  me!  Thou  sayest, 


The   Star   of  Bethlehem  45 

Hannah,  that  the  angel  said  the  child  will  be  found  laid 
in  a  manger? 

HANNAH. 
Yea,  Father. 

JELIND. 

Ah,  it  is  so !  Know  ye  that  I,  also,  have  seen  an  angel, 
but  in  the  form  of  a  woman. 

MATTHEW,  SARAH  and  HANNAH. 

[together.] 
A  woman? 

JELIND. 
Yea,  a  most  beautiful  and  gracious  lady. 

MATTHEW. 

But  the  rabbins  tell  us  the  Scriptures  speak  naught  of 
women  angels? 

JELIND. 

Yea,  so  do  they.  But,  nevertheless,  upon  this  lady 
rested  the  spirit  of  the  Most  High.  Listen.  [He  sits 
down  on  bundle,  center,  SARAH  and  HANNAH  sit  Oriental 
fashion  on  his  left,  and  MATTHEW  throws  himself  on 
ground  to  his  right.]  When  on  the  evening  of  yesterday 
I  came  unto  Bethlehem ;  and  had  sold  the  fat  sheep  I  led 
thither  for  money  to  pay  the  foolish  tax  of  the  great 
emperor  Augustus — and  much  did  it  grieve  me  to  do  so — 
I  sought  a  place  to  lodge.  But,  lo,  so  great  was  the  multi- 
tude there,  that  not  even  a  shed  could  I  find  wherein  to 
lay  me.  Therefore,  was  I  forced  to  seek  shelter  in  the 
porch  of  the  synagogue,  where  after  much  tribulation, 


46  The   Star  of   Bethlehem 

found  I  a  corner  to  rest  in.  When  morning  was  come,  I 
hastened  to  buy  the  things  needful,  and  repaired  to  the 
office  of  the  tax  collector,  that  I  might  be  registered,  and 
pay  the  tribute ;  for  I  had  no  mind  to  spend  another  night 
gasping  like  a  fish  out  of  water,  jostled  and  knocked 
about  by  a  rough  crowd.  But  so  long  was  the  line  of 
people  before  me,  that  it  was  nigh  unto  sunset  ere  my 
business  was  accomplished. 

SARAH. 
Then  thou  paidst  the  tax? 

JELIND. 

Yea,  I  paid.  I  needs  must,  or  fare  the  worst,  like  many 
another.  But  the  Lord  rebuke  all  emperors  and  kings 
with  their  burdensome  taxes  on  the  poor,  say  I.  And, 
lo,  it  befell,  as  I  journeyed  homeward,  nigh  unto  the 
town  came  I  upon  the  beautiful  lady  whereof  I  spake. 
She  was  seated  under  a  palm  tree,  and  not  in  the  whole 
world  could  there  be  another  like  unto  her.  Her  face  was 
pale,  yet  shone  it  with  a  glorious  light,  even  as  the  mild, 
soft  beams  of  yonder  beautiful  star.  [Points  to  star  in 
sky.]  I  spake  unto  her,  for  methought  perchance  she 
had  missed  her  way,  and  needed  guidance.  She  answered 
most  graciously,  and  told  me  she  was  come  from  Nazareth 
with  her  husband,  who  had  gone  unto  Bethlehem  to  seek 
lodgings.  Thereupon,  returned  he  from  thence,  having 
sought  shelter  in  vain  at  the  inn,  and  elsewhere;  upon 
hearing  which  I  didst  direct  them  to  the  disused  stable, 
where  thou  rememberest,  Matthew,  we  were  wont  at 
times  to  fold  our  sheep  on  winter  nights? 


The  Star  of  Bethlehem  4.7 

MATTHEW. 

[nodding  his  head  emphatically.] 
Yea,  Master,  well  remember  I  the  place. 

SARAH. 
Who  were  these  people? 

JEUND. 

Of  the  lady  learned  I  naught  save  what  I  already  told 
ye.  But  her  husband  saith  he  was  Joseph,  a  carpenter 
of  Nazareth,  though  of  the  house  of  David,  the  great 
king;  and  verily  would  I  have  known  that  he  came  of 
some  high  race  without  the  telling,  for  though  clad  in 
the  garb  of  a  workingman,  he  looked  more  royal  than 
ever  Herod  did  in  all  his  splendid  raiment. 

HANNAH. 

But  what  of  the  lady,  Father?  Surely  thou  hast  more 
in  thy  mind  concerning  her? 

JEUND. 

Yea,  verily,  it  is  she  that  is  the  mother  of  the  Messiah ; 
for  as  thou  sayest,  the  angel  told  thee  the  child  is  laid  in 
the  manger,  and,  lo,  in  the  old  stable  wherein  she  found 
refuge  is  a  niche  hollowed  from  the  rock  from  which 
beasts  were  wont  to  feed. 

MATTHEW. 
[nodding  his  head.] 
Yea,  so  there  is,  often  have  I  seen  it. 

JEUND. 
Therefore  let  us  arise,  and  go  forth  to  seek  the  young 


48  The   Star  of  Bethlehem 

child  and  his  mother  there.  [All  rise.]  Had  the  place 
been  another  surely  had  the  angel  of  the  Lord  directed 
us  hither.  Do  thou,  Sarah,  gather  together  such  things 
needful  as  we  possess,  that  we  may  minister  unto  Him 
whom  Jehovah  hath  sent  to  be  the  hope  of  Israel  and  the 
world,  and  His  blessed  mother. 

SARAH. 

It  shall  be  as  thou  sayest,  husband.  But  thinkest  thou 
not  it  were  better  that  Hannah  remained  at  home  ?  Hours 
since  she  should  have  been  in  her  bed. 


Yea,  daughter,  thou  hadst  better  stay  here;  or  if  thou 
fearest  to  abide  alone  in  the  house,  thou  mayest  await 
our  return  at  the  home  of  our  neighbor  below  in  the 
valley. 

HANNAH. 

[clasping  her  hands  in  fervent  entreaty.} 
Oh,  Father!    Oh,  Mother!    Forbid  me  not  to  go  with 
ye.    Not  for  all  the  gold  in  the  world  would  I  miss  greet- 
ing the  Holy  Babe. 


But  bethink  thee,  child?  The  way  is  long,  and  the 
hillpaths  are  rough.  It  will  be  a  hard  jaunt.  Another 
time  will  thy  mother  take  thee  thither.  [Pats  her  head 
affectionately.} 

HANNAH. 

Nay,  Father,  I  am  strong,  and  can  well  bear  the 
journey.  And  hast  thou  forgotten  that  it  was  unto  me 


7 he   Star   of  Bethlehem  49 

the  angel  of  the  Lord  first  appeared,  and  to  me  chiefly 
that  he  spake? 

JELIND. 

[b oiving  his  head  reverently.} 

Ah,  so  was  it!  Verily  we  must  not  disobey  the  com- 
mands of  Jehovah  expressed  through  His  blessed  mess- 
enger. Come  thou  with  us. 

[JELIND  takes  up  bundle,  and  c.vits  into  the  house.  Others 
follow.'] 

Dark  Change. 

Before  stage  is  lighted,  angel  chorus  is  heard,  preluded  by 
a  great  burst  of  music,  and  dies  away  as  scene  opens. 

CHORUS  OF  ANGELS. 
•Glory  be  to  God  in  the  highest! 
On  earth  peace!    Good  will  to  men! 

G  lo  ry !      Glo  ry !      G  lo  ry ! 

Glory  in  the  highest!" 


SCENE  II. 

The  place  of  the  Nativity.  Night.  Background  same  as 
in  previous  scene,  right  back,  set  diagonally,  a 
cavern  in  a  rocky  hill  walled  up  in  front  with  rough 
masonry.  Practical  door  of  rough  planks  in  its 
center,  and  small,  square  openings  on  each  side  of  this 
for  windows.  Latticed  aperture  in  top  of  door, 
through  which  light  streams  across  stage.  Left,  a 
slanting  trail,  bordered  by  great  rocks,  ascends 


So  The   Star  of  Bethlehem 

abruptly.  As  chorus  of  angels  dies  away,  JOSEPH 
opens  door  of  cavern,  enters,  and  advances  to  front 
center. 

JOSEPH. 

[Crossing  hands  on  breast  and  gazing  heavenward.} 
"Peace  on  earth,"  proclaim  the  harbingers  of  the  Most 
High,  and,  verily,  nature  respondeth  to  the  Lord's  be- 
hest. How  beautiful  is  the  night.  All  earth  lies  wrapt 
in  holy  calm,  and  breathes  forth  the  spirit  of  adoration; 
while  the  air  yet  throbs  with  the  beat  of  angels'  wings, 
and  exhales  the  sweet  odors  of  their  presence.  O,  Al- 
mighty Jehovah,  I  thank  Thee  that  Thou  hast  bestowed 
upon  me  the  guardianship  of  Thy  blessed  Son.  Enlighten 
my  understanding,  that  I  may  faithfully  discharge  Thy 
sacred  trust.  And  may  mankind  be  prepared  to  accept 
the  divine  message  of  Him  who  cometh  in  the  name  of 
the  Lord. 

MARY. 

[within,  calling  faintly.} 
Joseph !     Joseph ! 

JOSEPH. 
Yea,  Mary,  I  come. 

[He  hastily  re-enters  cavern,  and  closes  door.} 

JEUND. 

[Speaking,  without,  left,  as  if  at  top  of  trail.} 
This  is  the  place.     Well  I  knew  I  could  not  miss  the 
way  even  on  so  dark  a  night. 

SARAH. 
[also,  without.] 


The  Star  of  Bethlehem  51 

Yea,  husband.  No  one  better  than  thou  knoweth  the 
country  about  here. 

JELIND,  folloived  by  MATTHEW,  SARAH  and  HANNAH, 
descend  trail,  and  halt  left.  JELIND  carries  dressed 
lamb  wrapped  in  a  cloth  on  his  shoulder,  MATTHEW 
a  chicken  in  his  hand,  and  SARAH  and  HANNAH  each 
have  small  bundles.  JELIND  turns  around  and 
appears  to  be  consulting  the  others  inaudibly.  JELIND 
and  MATTHEW  wear  sheepskin  coats,  leggings  and 
caps,  and  SARAH  and  HANNAH  Oriental  robes,  with 
long  cloaks. 

MARY. 

[within,  in  a  tone  of  terror.] 

Oh,  Joseph,  I  hear  voices!  Can  this  portend  harm  to 
the  blessed  Child. 

JOSEPH. 
[soothingly.] 

Nay,  Mary,  they  who  approach  are  no  doubt  friends. 
Nevertheless  will  I  bar  the  door  while  I  parley  with 
them.  [He  bars  door.  JELIND  puts  down  lamb,  goes  up 
to  it,  and  knocks.]  Who  is  it  that  cometh  hither,  and 
what  wouldst  thou  ? 

JELIND. 

It  is  I,  Master  Joseph,  the  shepherd  who  directed 
thee  hither. 

[JOSEPH  opens  door,  JELIND  retreats  a  step  or  two,  and 
he  steps  out.] 

JOSEPH. 

[  b  oiving  gracio  usly.  ] 
Thou  art  welcome,  friend,  and  these  with  thee. 


52  The  Star  of  Bethlehem 

JEUND. 

These  are  Sarah,  my  wife,  Hannah,  my  daughter,  and 
Matthew,  the  lad  who  abideth  in  the  house  with  us.  Ere 
I  reached  home  after  meeting  thee  and  thy  lovely  lady 
upon  the  road  yonder,  [Points  out  left]  an  angel  of  the 
Lord  appeared  unto  them  saying,  that  the  Messiah  was 
born  at  Bethlehem,  and  that  they  should  find  Him  laid  in 
a  manger.  Therefore,  led  I  them  hither;  for  methought 
it  must  be  the  place  whereof  the  angel  spake. 

JOSEPH. 

Yea,  verily,  thou  wert  right.  This  night  the  prophecies 
of  the  Holy  Scriptures  are  here  fulfilled. 

JEUND. 

Blessed  be  the  name  of  the  Lord!  Behold  I  have 
brought  with  me  a  young  lamb,  the  pick  of  my  flock, 
Matthew  a  cockerel  I  gave  him  for  his  own,  and  Sarah 
and  Hannah  such  things  as  they  deem  needful  for  the 
Holy  Babe,  and  His  mother. 

JOSEPH. 

The  Lord  reward  ye  all  for  this  kindness.  I  pray  ye 
enter. 

[JELIND  picks  up  lamb,  and  enters  cavern,  MATTHEW, 
SARAH  and  HANNAH  follozv  him  when  JOSEPH  steps 
in  and  closes  door.  Stage  remains  empty  for  an 
instant;  and  Star  of  Bethlehem  appears  in  the  sky 
at  extreme  left,  and  moves  slowly  tozvards  right. 
JEUND,  MATTHEW,  SARAH  and  HANNAH  file  out 
from  door,  followed  by  JOSEPH,  who  leaves  it  open, 
so  light  from  within  streams  across  stage.] 


The   Star  of  Bethlehem  5j 

JOSEPH. 
The  peace  of  Jehovah  abide  with  ye. 

J BLIND,  MATTHEW,  SARAH  and  HANNAH. 

[together.] 

And  with  thee  and  thine,  O,  Master. 
[JOSEPH  goes  in,  and  shuts  door.    JELIND  and  his  com- 
panions walk  slowly  toward  trail.] 

MEDOR. 

[without,  left,  as  if  at  summit  of  trail.] 
Yea,  our  way  leads  thither.     Yonder  moves  the  star. 

JELIND. 

[Pausing,  near  foot  of  trail,  left  center.] 
Verily,  I  know  that  voice.     It  is  that  of  Medor,  chief 
of  the  shepherds  of  the  plain. 

[MEDOR  descends  trail,  followed  by  FIRZI,  AMARILLA, 
leading  BENONI,  and  band  of  shepherds.  All  are  in 
costume  similar  to  JELIND  and  his  companions.] 

MEDOR. 
[to  JELIND.] 
Who  art  thou? 

JELIND. 
I  am  Jelind  of  the  hills.    Well  met,  brother. 

MEDOR. 
Well  met,  neighbor  Jelind. 

JELIND. 

[bowing  to  AMARILLA,  who  returns  his  salute.] 
And  here  is  thy  good  wife,  Amarilla,  Firzi,  and  thy 


54  Tht  Star  of  Bethlehem 

sturdy  boy,  Benoni.  How  he  grows!  Verily,  we  shall 
soon  see  him  married.  [SARAH  and  HANNAH  advance  to 
meet  AMARILLA  and  BENONI,  and  they  converse  together 
inaudibly.  MATTHEW  claps  FIRZI'S  hand,  and  they  also 
seem  to  engage  in  conversation.]  But  wherefore  comest 
thou,  with  thy  family  and  these  other  shepherds  to  this 
unfrequented  place  at  this  hour?  Go  ye  unto  Bethlehem 
to  be  registered,  and  pay  the  tribute  the  Roman  emperor 
hath  laid  upon  us  ? 

MEDOR. 

Nay,  that  did  we  three  days  since.  We  seek  the 
Messiah,  who  angels  of  the  Lord  proclaimed  unto  us  is 
born  this  night  at  Bethlehem.  For,  lo,  as  we  watched  our 
flocks  upon  the  plain,  about  the  hour  of  midnight  a  great 
light  shone  forth  in  the  heavens,  and  there  appeared  a 
great  company  of  angels,  who  sang: 

"Glory  be  to  God  in  the  highest! 
On  earth  peace!     Good  ivill  to  men! 

Glory!      Glory!      Glory! 

Glory  in  the  highest!" 

FIRZI. 

And,  as  we  gazed  upward,  lost  in  awe  and  amazement, 
suddenly  stood  forth  in  the  midst  of  us  one  in  shining 
garments,  and  with  face  glorious  as  the  summer  moon, 
who  spake  unto  us,  saying :  "Go  ye  unto  Bethlehem ;  for 
there  this  night  is  the  Messiah  born  of  a  virgin.  Follow 
ye  his  star  in  the  heavens,  and  it  will  guide  ye  to  the  place 
where  He  is  laid."  Then,  straightway,  he  vanished ;  and. 
lo,  we  saw  in  the  sky  a  strange  and  beautiful  star,  that 


The   Star  of  Bethlehem  55 

moved  before  us  as  we  walked.     It  we  followed,  and  it 
hath  led  us  hither. 

MEDOR. 

A  moment  tarried  we  at  our  home,  that  we  might  tell 
these  mavels  to  Amarilla,  and  bid  her  come  with  us ;  and 
nothing  would  do  but  Benoni  must  come  also. 

AMARILLA. 

Yea,  he  made  me  take  him  from  his  bed ;  and  bravely 
hath  he  trudged  all  the  way,  complaining  naught  of  the 
distance,  nor  of  the  roughness  of  the  road. 

SARAH. 

It  was  even  so  with  our  Hannah,  whom  her  father  and 
I  would  fain  have  had  abide  at  home  while  we  fared  forth 
on  the  same  errand. 

[The  Star  stands  still  over  top  of  hill,  directly  above  center 
of  cavern  and  steadily  grows  brighter.] 

JELIND. 

Know  ye,  friends,  that  we  also  have  seen  wonderful 
things.  Yesterday,  as  evening  drew  near,  as  I  was 
journeying  homeward  from  Bethlehem,  whither  I  had 
gone  to  be  registered  and  pay  my  tax,  on  the  high  road, 
not  far  from  this  very  spot,  met  I  a  most  lovely  lady, 
and  a  noble-looking  man,  for  whom  no  place  of  lodging 
could  be  found  in  the  town,  and  directed  them  to  yonder 
disused  stable  for  shelter.  Meanwhile,  an  angel  of  the 
Lord,  even  such  as  thou  describest,  Firzi,  appeared  unto 
Hannah,  Sarah  and  Matthew,  at  our  house,  the  doors 
being  shut ;  and  bade  them  go  forth  to  seek  the  Messiah, 


$6  The   Star  of  Bethlehem 

who  was  born  at  Bethlehem,  and  had  been  laid  in  a 
manger.  Therefore,  I  hearing  these  things,  conducted 
them  hither.  And  verily  this  night  are  the  Scriptures 
fulfilled  in  our  eyes.  Yonder  in  a  manger  rests  the  new- 
born Messiah.  Already  have  I  and  my  house  done  our 
poor  honor  to  the  Holy  One  of  Israel. 

FIRZI. 

Yea,  that  is  the  place.  Behold  the  star  hath  stayed  its 
course  above  it,  and  blazes  forth  with  new  splendor. 

MEDOR. 

Come,  friends,  let  us  likewise  seek  out  the  Holy  Babe, 
that  we  also  may  worship  Him. 

[MEDOR  and  his  family,  followed  by  their  band  of  shep- 
herds slowly  and  reverently  approach  cavern.} 

BENONI. 

Why,  mother,  it  is  the  same  old  stable  where  thou 
wast  wont  to  go  with  me  for  our  noontime  rest,  when 
we  were  watching  the  sheep  on  yonder  plain.  [Points 
right,  front.}  Many  a  time  thou  hast  combed  my  hair 
and  sang  me  to  sleep  therein. 

AMARILLA. 

Yea,  my  child,  it  is  verily  the  same  place. 
[JOSEPH    throws    open    door    of    cavern,    letting    light 
stream  out  across  stage.} 

JOSEPH. 
Peace  be  unto  ye,  friends. 

MEDOR  AND  COMPANIONS. 
[together.} 


The   Star  of  Bethlehem  57 

And  to  thee  and  thine,  O,  Master ! 

[They  all  make  deep  obeisance,  then  kneel  in  semi-circle 
in  front  of  door.  JELIND,  SARAH,  MATTHEW,  and 
HANNAH  also  kneel  someivhat  behind  the  others.] 

ALL  THE  SHEPHERDS. 

Hosanna  to  the  Messiah!      Hosanna  to  our  Lord! 
[A   rosy  light,  as  of  the   dawn   tinges   the  sky,  back. 
Angels    sing,    without,    pianissimo,    as    if    in    the 
distance.] 

ANGEL  CHORUS. 

Glory  be  to  the  Father,  And  to  the  Son, 
And  to  the  Holy  Ghost! 
Amen. 


ACT  III. 


Audience  Hall  of  the  Palace  of  the  EMPEROR  CAESAR- 
AUGUSTUS  of  Rome.  Same  as  Scene  I,  Act  I,  except 
that  the  corridor,  back,  is  completely  screened  from 
view  by  purple  curtains,  suspended  behind  colonnade, 
and  great  central  portal.  There  are  no  guards. 

[Enter  AUGUSTUS  by  door,  left,  in  white  toga,  bordered 
with  purple.  He  paces  floor  pensively,  as  if  lost  in 
thought.} 

AUGUSTUS. 
[pausing  center.] 

Strange  that  vision  of  the  woman  and  the  child.    What 
can  it  portend? 

[Enter  PAGE  by  door,  right.] 

PAGE. 

[Approaching  emperor,  and  making  low  obeisance.} 
Aristobulus,    Prince    of    Judea,    craves    audience,    O, 
Caesar. 

AUGUSTUS. 
Admit  him. 

[Exit  page.  The  emperor  ascends  dais,  and  seats  him- 
self in  chair,  as  in  Act  I.  PAGE  opens  door  for 
ARISTOBULUS,  who  enters,  when  he  closes  it  with 


62  The  Star  of  Bethlehem 

another   obeisance.     ARISTOBULUS   approaches   dais 
and  drops  on  one  knee.] 

AUGUSTUS. 
Welcome,  Prince  of  Judea.      What  wouldst  thou? 

ARISTOBULUS. 

I  kneel  at  thy  feet,  O,  Caesar,  on  behalf  of  my  brother 
Alexander  and  myself,  unfortunate  sons  of  Herod,  by 
Marianna,  unhappy  descendant  of  the  great  Simon  Macca- 
beus, craving  from  thee,  Illustrious,  pity  and  justice. 

AUGUSTUS. 

Rise,  worthy  scion  of  the  blood  of  heroes,  and  make 
known  what  thou  desirest  of  me.  It  will  be  my  pleasure 
to  right  any  wrong  thy  brother  and  thyself  may  have 
suffered. 

ARISTOBULUS. 
[rising.] 

No,  doubt,  O,  Caesar,  thou  art  aware  of  the  many 
crimes  committed  by  our  father.  Hast  thou  not  heard 
how  he  slew  the  venerable  Hyrcanus,  grand  sire  of  our 
mother,  also  our  uncle  Aristobulus,  her  brother,  of  whom 
I  am  the  namesake.  Of  no  other  fault  could  he  accuse 
them  save  that  they  were  pretenders  to  the  throne,  being 
of  the  royal  blood  of  the  Maccabees.  Yet  small  must 
have  been  the  danger  from  either;  for  Hyrcanus  was 
eighty-four  years  of  age,  past  all  earthly  ambitions,  and 
Aristobulus  but  fifteen,  without  experience  with  men  or 
knowledge  of  the  world. 

AUGUSTUS. 

Yea,  of  these  things  have  I  heard. 


The  Star  of  Bethlehem  63 

ARISTOBULUS. 

For  these  acts  of  wanton  cruelty  he  was  so  bitterly 
upbraided  by  our  mother,  that  against  her  he  turned  his 
resentment.  So  giving  ear  to  the  base  calumnies  circu- 
lated against  her  by  her  implacable  foes,  Dori,  his  first 
wife,  whom  he  had  repudiated,  and  our  aunt  Salome,  his 
sister,  he  likewise  took  her  life. 

AUGUSTUS. 
Something  of  this  know  I. 

ARISTOBULUS. 

Our  father  some  time  since  recalled  to  his  court  Anti- 
pater,  son  of  Dori,  whom  he  hath  proclaimed  heir  to  his 
throne,  although  my  brother  and  myself  he  had  hitherto 
acknowledged  as  his  rightful  successors,  both  as  being 
his  sons,  and  the  last  of  the  blood  of  the  Maccabees. 
Therefore  we,  who  for  our  education  and  training  here 
in  Rome,  under  thy  benign  eye,  Illustrious,  return  thee 
humble  and  dutiful  thanks,  knowing  these  things,  fear 
to  reside  at  his  court  except  under  thy  august  protection. 

AUGUSTUS. 

Methinks,  prince,  these  fears  on  the  part  of  thy  brother 
Alexander  and  thyself  are  but  the  children  of  fancy.  Ye 
are  the  sons  of  Herod,  and  it  is  well  known  that  he  dearly 
loved  thy  mother,  even  though  in  a  misguided  hour  he 
slew  her.  He  may,  indeed,  deny  ye  the  succession  to  his 
throne,  though  the  final  decision  with  regard  to  that  rests 
with  Rome;  but  it  cannot  be  possible  that  ye  can  be  in 
jeopardy  at  his  court,  so  long  as  ye  remain  guiltless  of 
wrong  doing,  no  matter  who  may  be  your  accusers. 


64  The  Star  of  Bethlehem 

ARISTOBULUS. 
[indignantly.} 

Nay,  O,  Caesar,  we  are  Maccabees,  who  were  never 
cowards.  But  under  the  tutelage  of  thine  own  dauntless 
warriors  have  we  been  taught  that  prudence  no  less  than 
courage  becomes  the  true  soldier.  Our  fears  are  by  no 
means  groundless.  Our  uncle  Pheroras,  no  less  than  our 
aunt,  Salome,  hates  us  for  our  mother's  sake  as  does  Dori, 
whom  Antipater,  her  son,  hath  persuaded  our  father  to  re- 
call from  exile,  and  who  no  doubt  will  by  her  machinations 
succeed  in  driving  from  his  court  in  disgrace,  Azili,  his 
present  beautiful  and  charming  queen,  even  if  she  does 
not  compass  her  death  as  she  did  that  of  our  mother. 
Antipater  will  stop  at  naught  to  remove  us  from  his  path, 
that  his  right  to  the  throne  may  be  undisputed ;  and  in 
this  in  all  ways  will  his  mother  aid  him,  actuated  both 
by  maternal  love  and  pride,  and  enmity  to  us. 

AUGUSTUS. 

[Descending  steps  of  dais,  and  grasping  ARISTOBULUS' 
hand.] 

Well  spoken,  son  of  the  Maccabees.  I  meant  not  to 
impugn  the  valor  of  thyself,  or  thy  noble  brother,  to  whom 
I  pray  thee  to  commend  me.  Fear  nothing.  I,  Caesar,  will 
protect  ye  both  with  all  the  power  of  Rome.  For  the 
time  being  abide  ye  here ;  and  I  will  summon  your  father 
hither  that  I  may  exact  from  him  such  assurance  of  your 
safety  as  will  render  the  machinations  of  all  the  con- 
spirators of  Judea  powerless  to  work  ye  harm. 


The   Star   of  Bethlehem  65 

ARISTOBULUS. 

I  thank  ye,  Illustrious,  in  the  name  of  my  brother  and 
myself.  But  I  pray  thee  to  suffer  no  delay  in  this  matter ; 
for  at  this  very  moment  our  enemies  at  the  court  of  our 
father  may  be  plotting  our  destruction. 

AUGUSTUS. 
Again  I  say,  fear  nothing.    Fare  thee  well. 

ARISTOBULUS. 

I  withdraw,  with  sense  of  deepest  gratitude,  O  Caesar. 
[ARISTOBULUS,  with  a  profound  obeisance  retires,  and 
c.vits  by  door,  right.    AUGUSTUS  takes  tablet  from  the 
bosom  of  his  toga,  writes  on  it.     Claps  hands.    En- 
ter PAGE,  right.} 

AUGUSTUS. 
[handing  tablet  to  PAGE.] 

Take  this  to  Lucian.  Bid  him  frame  a  dispatch  there- 
from immediately,  and  bring  it  to  me  for  my  signature 
here. 

[PAGE  bows,  and  exits  hastily,  left.  AUGUSTUS  paces 
floor  to  right  and  back;  and  then  re-ascends  dais, 
seats  himself,  and  thoughtfully  leans  chin  on  hand. 
Looks  up.} 

Yea,  the  bloodthirsty  spirit  of  this  tyrant  of  Judea  must 
be  curbed. 

[Re-enter  PAGE  right.} 

PAGE. 
A  priest  of  Jupiter  craves  audience,  O  Caesar. 


66  The    Star   of  Bethlehem 

AUGUSTUS. 
Admit  him. 

[Enter  PRIEST  by  door,  right,  in  full  sacerdotal  costume.} 

PRIEST. 

[approaching  dais  and  making  low  obeisance} 
All  hail,  O  Csesar ! 

AUGUSTUS. 
All  hail !    How  can  I  serve  thee,  reverend  Father  ? 

PRIEST. 

I  come,  Augustus,  from  the  sacred  hierarchy  now 
assembled  in  our  great  temple  of  Jupiter  on  the  Capitola 
to  discuss  the  marvelous  portents  that  have  spread  amaze- 
ment and  consternation  throughout  the  city.  The  holy 
fathers  deem  it  meet  that  thou  as  Pontiff  Maximus  of 
Rome  should  be  at  once  apprised  of  these  extraordinary 
and  inexplicable  occurrences. 

AUGUSTUS. 

Strange  that  this  should  not  have  been  reported  to  me 
ere  this.  What  are  these  portents? 

PRIEST. 

Last  night,  at  about  the  twelfth  hour,  while  the  people 
were  celebrating  the  festival  of  the  Saturnalia,  suddenly 
appeared  in  the  heavens  a  dazzling  light;  and  with  a 
sound  like  thunder  a  great  stone  crashed  through  the  roof 
of  the  temple  of  Vesta,  shattering  its  walls,  and  extin- 
guishing the  sacred  fire  so  long  by  the  holy  Ves- 
tal Virgins  with  all  diligence  and  veneration.  At  the  same 
time,  the  images  of  all  the  gods  in  Rome  were  thrown 
down,  and  broken  to  pieces. 


The   Star   of  Bethlehem  67 

AUGUSTUS. 
Strange !    What  explanation  offer  the  sacred  augurs  ? 

PRIEST. 
None,  Illustrious. 

AUGUSTUS. 
And  what  thinkest  thou  these  things  portend  ? 

PRIEST. 

I  know  not.  But  one  thing  hath  impressed  me  in  con- 
nection with  these  marvelous  phenomena. 

AUGUSTUS. 
What? 

PRIEST. 

Hast  thou  ever  noticed,  Illustrious,  the  inscription  over 
the  portal  of  the  now  ruined  temple  of  Vesta? 

AUGUSTUS. 

Yea,  many  times.  It  read,  ''Temple  which  shall  endure 
perpetually." 

PRIEST. 

Even  so,  O  Caesar.  It  was  erected,  as  thou  knowest,  by 
the  pious  and  vituous  Numa  Pompilius,  who  as  Romulus, 
is  known  as  the  father  of  our  glorious  city,  may  well  be 
considered  the  father  of  the  Roman  religion,  since  he 
instituted  the  worship  of  our  gods.  On  its  completion  it 
is  said  he  questioned  his  holy  sibyl,  the  nymph  Aegeria, 
who  prophesied  that  it  would  endure  until  a  virgin  should 
bring  forth  a  child.  This  being  deemed  impossible  said 
inscription  was  carved  above  its  portals. 


68  The   Star  of  Bethlehem 

AUGUSTUS. 

[in  a  bewildered  tone] 
The  virgin  and  child !     The  virgin  and  child ! 

PRIEST. 
[amazed] 

What  meanest  thou,  Illustrious? 
AUGUSTUS. 
Naught  that  I  can  tell  thee  now. 

PRIEST. 

[gazing  at  him  curiously] 

As  thou  wilt,  Augustus.  I  have  yet  other  marvels  to 
relate.  This  morn  'tis  said  three  suns  appeared  upon  the 
horizon ;  and  country  people,  flocking  to  the  city  in  amaze- 
ment, declare  that  in  this  mid-winter  season  orchard  trees 
put  forth  leaves  and  blossoms,  the  earth  is  covered  with 
fresh,  green  grasses,  and  flowers  have  burst'  into  bloom ; 
so  that  the  bees  have  left  their  hives  and  come  back  laden 
with  honey. 

AUGUSTUS. 

[shaking  his  head  doubtfully] 

These  last  would  seem  to  be  auspicious  omens ;  but  the 
destruction  of  the  holy  temple  and  the  images  of  the  gods, 
together  with  the  extinction  of  the  sacred  fire,  fill  me  with 
dread  lest  they  presage  direful  calamities.  Moreover,  I 
have  myself  yet  other  proof  that  the  immortals  have  now 
in  store  a  great  revelation  to  mankind.  Woe  is  me,  if 
after  I  have  established  the  world  in  peace,  at  the  cost  of 
the  anguish  of  my  own  heart,  and  the  blood  of  my  people, 


The  Star  of  Bethlehem  69 

there  should  be  impending  over  us  a  visitation  of  the  wrath 
of  the  gods.  Yet  if  it  is  their  will,  so  must  it  be.  Truly 
the  purposes  of  the  divinities  are  beyond  the  limits  of 
human  knowledge. 

PRIEST. 

I  pray  thee,  Illustrious,  be  not  cast  down  by  the  series 
of  prodigies  I  have  related,  the  two  last  of  which  thou 
acknowledgest  to  be  of  good  import.  As  thou  sayest  the 
purposes  of  the  immortals  are  beyond  the  comprehension 
of  men.  Undoubtedly  the  gods  love  to  be  feared,  and  are 
prone  to  punish  with  severity  all  infractions  of  their  will ; 
still  they  would  not  be  adored  as  they  are,  were  they  not 
ever  more  inclined  to  confer  benefits  than  to  fulminate 
vengeance.  But  what  message  shall  I  convey  to  the  sacred 
conclave  ? 

AUGUSTUS. 

Bid  the  holy  ministers  of  our  faith  order  in  my  name 
the  rarest  marbles,  and  engage  the  most  skilful  artificers, 
that  the  ruined  temple  may  be  rebuilt  and  embellished  on 
a  scale  of  the  utmost  magnificence.  Let  them  likewise 
call  to  their  aid  the  most  famous  sculptors  of  the  empire 
in  order  to  fittingly  replace  the  images  of  the  gods.  Bid 
them,  also,  redouble  their  zeal  in  the  exercise  of  their  holy 
offices,  that  the  divine  anger  may  be  averted. 

PRIEST. 

It  shall  be  as  thou  commandest,  O  Csesar.  I  salute  thee, 
Augustus. 

AUGUSTUS. 
Hail  and  farewell. 


70  The  Star  of  Bethlehem 

[The  PRIEST,  with  reverential  obeisance,  retires,  and  exits 
by  door,  right.    AUGUSTUS  re-ascends  dais,  resumes 
seat,  and  again  assumes  a  thoughful  attitude  for  a 
moment,  then  speaks  in  a  perplexed  tone.] 
The  virgin  and  child !    The  virgin  and  child ! 
[Enter  LUCIAN  by  door,  left,  with  sheet  of  papyrus  in  his 
hand.    He  advances  to  steps  of  dais  and  makes  obei- 
sance.] 

LUCIAN. 

[extending  papyrus] 
Here  is  the  dispatch  thou  badest  me  prepare,  O  Caesar. 

AUGUSTUS. 

[taking  sheet,  and  glancing  over  it} 
'Tis  well.    I  wil  sign  it. 

[LuciAN  places  stand  in  front  of  the  EMPEROR,  dips  quill 
in  vial  of  ink  attached  to  his  girdle,  and  hands  it  to 
AUGUSTUS  with  a  low  bow.  The  EMPEROR  lays  papy- 
rus on  table,  and  hastily  signs  it,  and  hands  it  to  LU- 
CIAN, who  restores  stand  to  former  position.] 
Let  it  be  forwarded  to  Jtidea  immediately. 

LUCIAN. 

[bowing  low  again] 
Thou  shalt  be  obeyed,  O  Caesar. 

[With  another  obeisance,  he  exits  by  door,  left.     Enter 
PAGE  by  door,  right.} 

PAGE. 
The  noble  senators,  Maecenas  and  Agrippa,  O  Caesar. 


The  Star  of  Bethlehem  ji 

AUGUSTUS. 
Bid  them  enter. 

[Exit  PAGE.    Enter  MAECENAS  and  AGRIPPA.    AUGUSTUS 
descends  from  dais.] 

MAECENAS  AND  AGRIPPA. 

[together,  bowing] 
All  hail,  O  Caesar! 

AUGUSTUS. 
[bowing.} 
Hail,  noble  friends,  and  welcome ! 

MAECENAS. 
[stepping  slightly  in  front  of  AGRIPPA  and  bowing] 

We  come,  Illustrious,  from  the  Senate  Chamber  to  an- 
nounce to  thee  that  this  day,  by  unanimous  vote,  the  Con- 
script Fathers  hath  decreed  that  thou,  whilst  still  in  the 
flesh,  shall  be  accorded  the  honor  often  previously  be- 
stowed upon  eminent  Romans  whose  spirits  have  been 
translated  to  the  stars,  and  should  receive  due  homage  as 
a  god.  Therefore,  have  they  issued  an  order  that  thy 
statue  shall  be  set  up  in  all  the  temples,  and  the  people 
should  everywhere  adore  it  as  the  simulacrum  of  the 
Patron  Deity  of  Rome. 

AUGUSTUS. 
[firmly] 

I  thank  the  noble  senators  for  their  zeal  in  my  behalf; 
but  far  be  it  from  me  to  accept  this  honor.  What  reason 
assigned  they  for  this  preposterous  resolution  ? 


72  The   Star   of  Bethlehem 

MAECENAS. 

The  reason,  Augustus,  was  twofold.  Firstly,  thy  un- 
paralleled wisdom,  which  partakes  more  of  the  divine  than 
the  human ;  secondly,  the  prodigies  of  last  night  the  holy 
augurs  now  declare  must  indicate  that  the  Romans  should 
select  a  new  god;  since  the  fact  that  the  images  of  the 
old  were  overthrown  throughout  the  city,  and  the  sacred 
fire  extinguished,  would  lead  to  the  conclusion  that  they 
had  forsaken  us. 

AUGUSTUS. 

My  wisdom  is  but  that  of  mere  man,  and  often  fallible. 
Moreover,  in  this  case  methinks  the  holy  augurs  have 
erred.  Far  more  likely  is  it,  that  having  foreknowledge 
of  the  purposes  of  men,  the  gods  have  sent  these  por- 
tents as  a  warning  against  this  act  of  presumption. 

AGRIPPA. 
[advancing] 
I  pray  thee  reflect,  Illustrious. 

AUGUSTUS. 

No  reflection,  my  dear  friend,  will  alter  my  determina- 
tion. Too  well  know  I  the  limitations  of  my  humanity 
to  arrogate  to  myself  equality  with  the  immortals.  Not 
thus  can  be  averted  the  threatened  castigation  of  angry 
deities.  Tell  the  Senate  I  absolutely  forbid  the  publica- 
tion of  this  impious  decree.  Furthermore,  it  is  my  in- 
tention to  myself  issue  an  edict  prohibiting  that  I  be  called 
Lord  of  the  World,  as  hath  been  proposed.  The  applica- 
tion of  Augustus,  conferred  upon  me  by  the  Senate,  I 


The  Star  of  Bethlehem  73 

accepted,  deeming  it  befitting  to  my  office  of  Pontiff  Maxi- 
mus,  and  the  people  call  me  Father  of  Our  Country.  I 
want  no  other  titles. 

MAECENAS  AND  AGRIPPA. 

[together.} 
But,  Illustrious — 

AUGUSTUS. 
Not  another  word,  good  friends. 

[Enter  EMPRESS  LIVIA  by  door,  left.} 

EMPRESS. 

[pausing,  left  center.} 

I  perceive,  my  lord,  that  thou  art  engaged  with  thy 
counselors  in  the  discussion  of  matters  of  state.  Shall 
I  withdraw? 

AUGUSTUS. 

Nay,  dearest  Livia,  thou  knowest  well  that  I  have  no 
secrets  from  thee. 

[The  EMPRESS  comes  forward  left  center.} 
MAECENAS  AND  AGRIPPA. 
[together,  boning  loiv.} 
All  hail,  Augusta ! 

EMPRESS. 
[bowing} 
Hail,  noble  senators ! 

AUGUSTUS. 

These  friends,  my  dear  Livia,  but  now  announced  to  me 
that  the  venerable  Senate  hath  conferred  upon  me  the 


74  The   Star  of  Bethlehem 

title  of  god,  and  ordered  that  my  statue  should  be  wor- 
shipped in  all  the  temples  of  Rome. 

EMPRESS. 

[in  atone  of  delight.] 

Then,  thou  shall  be  a  god  and  I  a  goddess.  We  shall 
be  truly  Augustus  and  Augusta. 

AUGUSTUS. 
Nay,  I  have  refused. 

EMPRESS. 

[in  an  amazed  and  disappointed  tone] 
Refused? 

AUGUSTUS. 
Yea,   refused. 

EMPRESS. 
[still  amazed} 
But  wherefore,  my  lord? 

AUGUSTUS. 

Several  reasons  have  I  already  given  these,  my  faith- 
ful counselors,  yet  another  will  I  now  disclose.  Listen, 
Livia.  Listen,  friends.  Last  evening-,  being  greatly 
troubled  by  a  strange  foreboding,  and  depression  of 
spirits,  I  sought  my  garden  by  the  Campidolio,  and  sum- 
moned hither  the  famous  Tiburtine  Sibyl,  wonder  of  our 
time,  who  when  I  questioned  her  made  no  answer,  but 
only  pointed  upward.  And  gazing  towards  the  heavens, 
as  she  indicated,  I  beheld  standing  upon  a  luminous  cloud, 
the  form  of  a  beautiful  woman,  with  an  infant  in  her 
arms  wrapped  in  a  mantle.  Her  face  was  pure  and  lovely 


The  Star  of  Bethlehem  75 

as  that  of  an  innocent  maiden,  and  round  her  and  the  child 
shone  a  great  golden  glory,  like  that  in  which  the  im- 
mortals bask.  Then,  as  overcome  with  awe,  I  fell  on  my 
knees  and  stretched  out  my  arms  in  adoration,  I  heard 
a  mighty  voice  peal  forth,  even  in  the  thunderous  tones 
of  Jove  himself:  "This  is  the  Lord  of  Lords,  born  of  a 
virgin,"  and  then  again :  "Lo,  He  is  greater  than  thou." 
Moreover,  when  I  returned  hither,  and  sought  my  couch, 
thrice  in  my  dreams  did  I  behold  that  same  vision,  and 
heard  the  awful  voice  repeat :  "He  is  greater  than  thou." 

EMPRESS. 

And  for  such  a  mere  phantasm  wouldst  thou  throw 
away  the  honors  of  divinity? 
[Lights  are  slowly  lowered.] 
AUGUSTUS. 

My  dearest  wife,  I  am  Augustus,  and  thou  art  Augusta. 
Art  thou  not  content  with  such  a  title  as  satisfies  me  ? 

EMPRESS. 

Yea,  my  lord,  thou  knowest  that  in  all  things  thy  will 
is  mine.  Yet  were  it  not  well  to  give  the  matter  further 
consideration  ? 

AUGUSTUS. 

It  is  ever  my  dearest  wish  to  please  thee.  Therefore, 
will  I  reflect  upon  it,  although  certain  am  I  that  my  de- 
cision is  irrevocable. 

[He  retires  up  stage,  and  stands  for  a  moment  with  back 
towards  audience  as  if  plunged  in  thought.  The  EM- 
PRESS also  walks  back  left  center,  as  if  intending  to 


76  The   Star  of  Bethlehem 

ed,  curtains  back  of  grand  portal  center,  are  drawn 
back,  and  the  vision  of  the  Virgin  and  Child  appears, 
illumined  with  a  bright,  golden  radiance.     He  falls 
on  his  knees,  and  stretches  out  his  arms.] 
Yea,  thou  art  greater  than  I ! 

EMPRESS. 

[in  a  tone  of  bewilderment.] 
Greater  than  thou?    Greater  than  thou? 
[She  stands  for  a  few  seconds  her  eyes  fastened  on  the 
vision,  then  drops  on  her  knees  beside  her  husband, 
and  also  stretches  out  her  arms.     MAECENAS  and 
AGRIPPA  stand  still,  right  front,  staring  at  vision  in 
blank  amazement.} 


ACT  IV. 


SCENE  I. 

A  street  in  Jerusalem.  Buildings  of  Oriental  style,  ap- 
parently of  massive  stone,  with  flat  roofs,  surrounded 
by  parapets,  and  partially  covered  with  bright- 
colored  awnings.  In  front  of  arched  doorway  of 
building  at  left  of  scene  is  suspended  a  tankard,  in- 
dicating that  it  is  a  tavern.  Sound  of  laughter  of 
men  and  clang  of  metal  heard  at  rising  of  curtain. 

At  opening  of  scene  people  of  Oriental,  Greek  and  Ro- 
man costume  are  seen  passing  and  re-passing.  A 
male  voice  is  heard  singing,  without,  left,  as  if  in 
tavern. 

SONG. 

"When  the  wine  is  in,  the  wit  is  out," 

So  say  the  sages  wise; 
But  when  our  skins  are  full  of  wine 

Wit  we  may  well  despise. 
Then  pledge  we  all  the  ruby  wine 

That  makes  the  spirits  glad. 
Better  be  happy  and  be  drunk, 

Than  sober  and  be  sad. 


8o  The   Star  of  Bethlehem 

CHORUS. 

"When  the  wine  is  in,  the  wit  is  out," 

So  say  the  sages  zvise; 
But  ^vhen  our  skins  are  full  of  wine 

Wit  we  may  well  despise. 

[Sound  of  uproarious  laughter  of  men  and  boys,  without, 
left.  JELIND  enters,  left,  front,  carrying  long,  lozV 
basket  on  his  arm,  containing  a  number  of  little  sacks 
of  dressed  lamb-skin  filled  with  cream-curds.  Tivo 
boys,  with  ivriting  tablets  attached  to  their  girdles, 
tug  at  opposite  end,  ivhile  JELIND  pulls  violently  in 
the  effort  to  disengage  it  from  their  grasp.  They 
continue  the  struggle  half-zvay  across  stage.  The 
boys  scream  ivith  laughter,  and  mirth  continues  with- 
out.] 

JEUND. 

[zvhile  pulling  at  basket,  angrily.] 
Ye  young  thieves,  vagabonds,  children  of  Beelzebub ! 
Let  go  ere  I  call  the  Watch ! 

[Boys   laugh   uproariously.] 

FIRST  BOY. 

Not  until  we  have  a  sample  of  thy  cream-curds,  Father 
Shepherd. 

SECOND  BOY. 

Yea,  thou  farest  through  the  streets  crying,  "Who'll 
have  my  cream-curds?"    And  verily  will  we. 

JEXIND. 
[ivith  rising  anger.] 


The   Star   of  Bethlehem  81 

But  where  is  your  money,  ye  young  vagabond  ?    Where 
is  your  money? 
[Boys  laugh.] 

FIRST  BOY. 

We  need  none.    We  of  the  Rabbinical  school  are  priv- 
ileged. 


[in  a  violent  rage.] 

Imps!     Children  of  the  Evil  One!     Is  this  what  the 
Rabbins  teach  ye  ? 

[Boys  laugh  again.] 

FIRST  BOY. 
Nay,  we  teach  ourselves  to  help  ourselves. 

SECOND  BOY. 
Verily,  that  do  we. 

UELIND  -gives  basket  a  violent  jerk,  both  boys  let  go; 
and  while  he  is  staggering  about  trying  to  recover 
his  balance,  first  boy  snatches  one  of  the  sacks  of 
curds,  and  runs  off,  left.    JEUND  clutches  at  second 
boy,  who  eludes  him,  and  runs  after  his  companion. 
He  turns  around  as  he  reaches  left,  i.  ] 
Farewell,  Father  Shepherd!     Let  us  know  when  thou 
comest  hither  again  with  thy  cream-curds. 
[Runs  off  laughing.] 

JEUND. 

[Looking  out,  left,  and  shaking  fist  at  retreating  boy$] 
Thieves!     Scoundrels!    Wretches!     [Another  burst  of 


82  The   Star   of  Bethlehem 

laughter,  without.  JELIND  again  shakes  fist.]  Yea, 
laugh!  Laugh!  This  is  a  fine  way  to  treat  a  poor 
stranger,  pack  of  rascals  that  ye  are !  [Shakes  fist  again. 
More  laughter,  without.  He  turns  toward  audience.] 
Verily,  here  in  the  city  is  an  unmannerly  rabble.  In 
the  country  we  think  it  not  sport  to  rob  and  mistreat 
an  unoffending  stranger.  Hither  came  I  to  sell  my  cream- 
curds,  thinking  I  should  find  a  better  market  than  in 
Bethlehem.  But,  alas,  small  gain  am  I  likely  to  have 
this  day.  Tis  well  I  was  able  to  at  last  shake  off  the 
last  of  the  band  of  unruly  school-boys  that  set  upon  me 
in  yonder  street  ere  they  had  filched  my  entire  stock.  Cute 
young  rascals  were  they ;  for  whilst  some  did  parley  with 
me,  others  stole  up  behind,  and  snatched  sacks  of  curds 
from  my  basket.  [Counts  sacks  in  basket.]  Three  and 
four — six — six  and  five  makes  ten.  Yea,  a  full  half- 
dozen  have  they  stolen.  Glad  am  I  they  laid  not  hands  on 
the  biggest.  [Holds  up  large  sack.]  But  I  forgive  the 
mischievous  lads,  and  the  rude  tavern  roysterers  who 
egged  them  on.  Since  I  first  beheld  that  lovely  lady,  and 
paid  homage  to  her  blessed  Son,  the  Infant  Messiah,  no 
more  can  I  harbor  resentment.  [H£  starts  to  go.  Looks 
out,  right.]  Lo,  who  are  these  three  men,  in  strange  and 
splendid  raiment  I  behold  approaching?  Verily  must  they 
be  kings  of  far  countries.  And  one  of  them  is  a  black 
man.  This  is  indeed  prodigious.  Methought  all  black 
men  were  slaves. 

[J  BLIND  stands  still  at  back  of  scene,  and  watches  curi- 
ously. Hnter  MEXCHIOR,  BALTHAZAR,  and  CASPAR. 
right,  i.  BALTHAZAR  is  a  black  man.  They  pause 


The  Star  of  Bethlehem  83 

at  entrance.     Their  attendants  remain  in  wings  fust 
without.] 

MELCHIOK. 
[to  BALTHAZAR  and  CASPAR] 

At  last,  after  our  long  and  weary  journey,  have  we 
arrived  at  the  city  of  Jerusalem.  But  here  thus  far  have 
we  heard  naught  of  him  who  in  inspired  visions  we  were 
told  was  to  be  born  King  of  the  Jews. 

BALTHAZAR. 
Yet  this  is  the  seat  of  the  kings  of  Judea. 

CASPAR. 

As  thou  sayest.  And  hither  have  we  been  guided  by 
the  mysterious  star,  that  announced  to  us  the  birth  of 
the  glorious  prince,  whom  we  were  told  would  be  the 
redeemer  of  the  world.  This  it  seemeth  must  be  our 
destination. 

BALTHAZAR. 

Still  see  we  here  no  signs  of  rejoicing  over  such  a 
momentous  event. 

MELCHIOR. 

Perchance  we  have  come  too  late,  and  the  festivities 
are  already  over.  But  let  us  question  yonder  shepherd. 
Mayhap  from  him  may  we  gain  some  knowledge  of  the 
matter.  [A  ddressess  JELIND.]  Come  hither,  friend. 


[approaching  timidly  and  bowing  awkwardly] 
What  would  your  Majesty? 


84  The  Star  of  Bethlehem. 

MELCIIIOR. 

Canst  thou  tell  us,  good  Shepherd,  if  within  the  past 
few  days  hath  been  born  a  king  of  Judea  ? 


Nay,  O  Majesty,  our  King  Herod  was  not  born  yester- 
day, nor  within  a  few  days,  or  a  few  years,  for  that  mat- 
ter. He  is  well  nigh  as  old  as  Father  Adam,  to  judge 
from  his  looks.  [Glances  at  BALTHAZAR  and  CASPAR.] 
As  your  Majesties  will  say  when  ye  have  seen  him. 

CASPAR. 
[impatiently] 

But  surely  within  a  fortnight  hath  been  born  a  son  to 
thy  king  who  is  heir  to  the  throne? 


[scratching  his  head] 

An  it  be  so,  naught  have  I  heard  of  it,  and  we  see  not 
how  it  can  well  be.  To  be  sure  there's  no  knowing  what 
crazy  notion  King  Herod  will  take  into  his  head;  but, 
methinks,  if  such  a  child  had  been  born,  I  would  have 
had  news  of  it  ere  this.  Kings  are  wont  to  bid  all  us 
poor  folk  rejoice  whenever  we  have  a  new  royal  mouth 
to  feed.  [Glances  apprehensively  from  one  of  the  MAGI 
to  the  other.}  I  beg  your  Majesties'  pardon  if  my  speech 
sounds  too  bold.  I  am  unused  to  the  ways  of  cities,  be- 
ing only  a  shepherd  of  the  hills  beyond  Bethlehem,  who 
cometh  to  Jerusalem  occasionally  to  sell  my  cream-curds, 
and  am  accustomed  to  speak  my  mind  freely. 
[The  MAGI  laugh.] 


The   Star  of  Bethlehem  85 

MELCHIOR. 

[in  a  tone  of  kindly  amusement] 

Nay,  friend,  thy  plain  speech  offendeth  us  not.  And 
thou  art  sure  no  prince  hath  lately  been  born  to  succeed 
to  the  throne  of  Judea? 

JELIND. 

Yea,  your  Majesty,  King  Herod's  youngest  son  by  the 
beautiful  Queen  Azili  is  nigh  unto  two  years  old,  and  is 
now  at  nurse  in  Bethlehem.  I  know  naught  of  any  other. 
Wilt  thou  not  buy  some  of  my  cream-curds?  They  are 
fresh  made  this  morning,  and  thou  wilt  find  them  de- 
licious. 

MELCHIOR. 

[with  a  courteous  gesture  of  refusal.} 
Nay,  I  have  no  need  of  any  at  present. 

JELIND. 

[offering  sacks  of  curds  to  BALTHAZAR  and  CASPAR.] 
Will  ye  not  try  some,  majesties?     I  will  deliver  them 
at  your  lodgings  an  ye  wish. 

BALTHAZAR  and  CASPAR. 

[together.} 
We  need  them  not. 

MELCHIOR. 
[in  a  laughing  tone] 

Nevertheless,  if  we  may  not  purchase  thy  wares,  here 
is  a  piece  of  silver  for  thy  trouble. 

[HE  drops  coin  in  JELIND' s  basket,  BALTHAZAR  and  CAS- 
PAR follow  his  example.     JELIND  makes  obeisance. 


86  The  Star   of  Bethlehem 

The  three  wise  men  ^valk  digninedly  to  left  i,  and 
exit.  Their  attendants  folllow.  JELIND  offers  them 
his  curds  as  they  pass.] 


Curds!  Fresh  cream-curds!  [Attendants  shake  their 
heads,  and  exit,  left  i.  JELIND  stares  after  them  as  they 
disappear.}  These  strange  people  do  not  seem  to  care 
much  for  cream-curds.  [Picks  coins  out  of  basket  and 
bites  each  piece.]  Nevertheless,  have  I  good  profit  this 
day.  Yet  would  it  have  been  a  funny  sight  to  see  those 
black  men  eating  white  cream-curds.  [Laughs,  and  exits, 
right  i.  Crying  out  his  wares.]  Cream-curds!  Fresh 
cream-curds  ! 
[People  pass  and  re-pass  again  for  a  minute  or  tivo.  Re- 

enter  JEUND  right  i.] 

Lo,  my  poor  wits  have  been  wool-gathering  again. 
wherefore  told  I  not  those  strange  kings  of  the  Holy 
Babe  born  twelve  days  since  at  Bethlehem.  As  he  is  the 
Messiah,  he  must  needs  be  King  of  the  Jews,  as  well  as 
King  of  Kings.  I  must  haste  to  seek  them  out,  and  tell 
them  of  the  Blessed  Child  and  His  mother. 

[Exits  hastily,  left  i.] 


SCENE  II. 

Audience  hall  of  KING  HEROD  in  Jerusalem.  Corinthian 
columns,  right  and  left,  and  open  colonnade  of  the 
same,  back,  sho^ving  terrace  beyond,  along  which 
sentries  are  pacing.  In  the  background  is  a  garden, 


The   Star   of  Bethlehem  87 

stately  towers  and  buildings,  and  distant  view  of  the 
temple  on  Mount  Zion.  Doo-rway,  left  2,  hung  ivith 
Oriental  draperies.  Right,  front,  is  a  dais,  on  which 
stands  a  throne  surmounted  by  a  canopy.  The  floor 
is  a  variegated  marble,  like  that  of  the  palace  of 
AUGUSTUS. 

Members  of  court  discovered,  gathered  in  groups,  ap- 
parently engaged  in  earnest  discussion.  PRINCE 
ANTIPATER,  son  of  HEROD,  distinguished  by  his  rich 
dress,  and  coronet  of  gold,  passes  stealthily  from  one 
group  to  another,  as  if  intent  upon  overhearing  the 
conversation. 

[Enter  HEROD  from  terrace,  in  royal  robes,  and  wearing 
crown,  center.  On  his  appearance  a  sudden  hush 
falls  on  the  assembly,  and  the  courtiers  bow  low  as  he 
passes  them.  He  walks  slowly  and  moodily,  with 
doivncast  head  to  dais,  and  seats  himself  on  throne.] 

COURTIERS. 
[in  chorus] 

All  hail,  King  Herod ! 

[HE  acknowledges  the  salutation  with  a  curt  nod,  and 
beckons  to  ANTIPATER,  who  approaches  dais,  then 
dismisses  court  with  a  ivave  of  the  hand.  All  exeunt 
except  ANTIPATER.] 

HEROD. 

[to  ANTIPATER] 

What  matter  was  it  members  of  the  court  were  dis- 
cussing so  earnestly  as  I  entered? 


88  The   Star  of  Bethlehem 

ANTIPATER. 

They  spake,  O  Father,  of  the  wonderful  new  star,  that 
twelve  days  since  flamed  forth  in  the  heavens,  and  then 
disappeared.  Last  night  it  blazed  out  again  with  new 
splendor.  This  strange  phenomenon  hath  amazed  and 
affrighted  all  the  dwellers  in  Jerusalem. 

HEROD. 

Yea,  of  this  have  I  heard.  What  say  men  the  prodigy 
portend  ? 

ANTIPATER. 
Most  believe  it  can  but  presage  the  birth  of  the  Messiah, 

HEROD. 
[thoughtfully] 
The  Messiah?    The  Messiah? 

ANTIPATER. 

And  this  morning  arrived  in  the  city  three  men  of 
kingly  aspect,  who  declare  they  seek  one  who  is  born 
King  of  the  Jews. 

HEROD. 

•  [in  a  tone  of  indignation] 

King  of  the  Jews?  I  am  King  of  the  Jews?  Who 
dare  usurp  my  throne. 

ANTIPATER. 
None,  O  King,  my  Father,  dare  conspire  against  thee. 

HEROD. 

I  make  not  so  sure  of  that.  There  have  been  plots  enow 
since  I  have  wielded  the  scepter. 


The  Star  of  Bethlehem  89 

ANTIPATER. 
But  they  have  all  been  crushed. 

HEROD. 

Yea,  and  I  will  continue  to  crush  them.  Not  one  of  my 
own  flesh  and  blood  will  I  spare  who  riseth  up  against 
me.  Knowest  thou  where  these  distinguished  strangers 
are  lodged  ? 

ANTIPATER. 
Nay,  Father. 

HEROD. 

Go  thou,  then,  seek  Pheon,  and  bid  him  come  to  me 
immediately  by  the  secret  way  thou  knowest  of.  Then 
return  thou  hither. 

ANTIPATER. 

Yea,  Father,  thy  commands  shall  be  obeyed. 
[Exit  ANTIPATER  hastily  by  door  left.] 

HEROD. 

[leaning  chin  on  hand] 

Of  all  men  most  miserable  is  he  who  wears  a  crown. 
Its  gold  and  gems  but  make  it  the  heavier  burden  for  the 
brow.  Ah,  wretched  me !  What  hath  it  profiteth  me  that 
boasting  no  royal  blood  I  have  been  elevated  to  a  throne, 
when  I  can  only  maintain  it  at  the  cost  of  blood.  Only 
through  terror  can  I  reign.  [HE  comes  doivn  from 
dais  and  paces  floor  moodily.  Pauses,  center.]  No- 
where on  earth  is  there  one  whom  I  can  call  friend. 
My  courtiers  are  but  lying  sycophants,  who  would  re- 
joice at  my  death  or  overthrow.  None  of  my  kindred 


po  The   Star  of  Bethlehem 

can  I  trust,  nay,  not  even  one  of  mine  own  children. 
[Paces  floor  again,  then  returns  to  center.]  But  one 
woman  have  I  ever  loved,  Marianna,  and  she  for  a  time 
returned  my  passion.  But  her  love  turned  to  hatred 
when  I  was  forced  to  slay  her  grandsire  and  her  brother, 
whom  a  rebellious  people  would  fain  have  crowned  in 
my  stead.  So  enraged  at  her  fierce  upbraidings,  and  the 
proof  of  her  encouragement  of  plots  against  me,  her  I 
likewise  slew.  [Clasps  his  hands  convulsively.]  And 
since  that  hour  to  mine  eyes  all  things  are  red. 
Before  me  ever  swims  a  sea  of  blood.  [Shudders.  Then 
rears  his  form  proudly.]  But  I  am  Herod,  King  of  the 
Jews,  and  so  will  I  remain.  Not  even  the  divine  Messiah 
shall  supplant  me.  [Knock  on  wall,  right  of  throne.] 
[Secret  door  in  wall  opens,  and  PHEON  enters.] 

PHEON. 

[dropping  on  knee  before  HEROD] 
All  hail,  O  King! 

HEROD. 

Knowest    thou    where    lodge    the    three    mysterious 
strangers  who  arrived  in  our  city  this  morning? 

PHEON. 
Yea,  O  King.    The  place  is  nigh  at  hand. 

HEROD. 

Guide  thou  thither  my  son,  Antipater,  return  by  the 
secret  way,  and  await  my  pleasure  in  the  hidden  chamber. 

[PHEON  bows.    Enter  ANTIPATER,  HEROD  turns  to  him, 
and  takes  signet-ring  from  his  finger.] 


The   Star  of  Bethlehem  91 

Take  my  ring,  and  go  thou  with  Pheon,  who  will  point 
thee  out  the  place  of  sojourn  of  the  three  kingly  strangers 
whereof  we  spake.  Greet  them  in  my  name,  and  bid  them 
make  haste  to  visit  me  here.  See  thou  that  they  are 
treated  with  all  the  honors  of  royalty. 

ANTIPATER. 

[bowing,  and  taking  ring] 
I  hasten  to  obey,  O  Father. 

[ANTIPATER  exits  by  way  of  terrace.  PHEON  rises,  makes 
obeisance,  and  follows  him.  HEROD  again  paces 
floor  ivith  agitated  steps.] 

HEROD. 

I  feel  the  crown  trembling  upon  my  brow.  Who  is 
this  that  is  born  King  of  the  Jews?  Long  since  was  it 
prophesied  unto  me  that  a  child  should  occupy  my  throne. 
This  must  be  he.  But  him  will  I  slay,  as  I  have  the 
other  pretenders  before  him,  although  all  the  Land  of 
Israel  shall  run  with  blood  ere  it  be  accomplished.  Since 
I  mounted  the  throne,  through  the  favor  of  great  Antony, 
supplanting  Antigone,  for  thirty  years  have  I  held  it 
despite  the  murmurs  and  outbreaks  of  my  rebellious  peo- 
ple, and  the  treachery  of  those  I  would  fain  have  made 
my  friends.  Surely  I  can  maintain  it  to  the  end.  [Claps 
his  hands.  Enter  PAGE,  who  makes  profound  obeisance.] 
Seek  out  the  High  Priest  at  his  palace,  and  bid  him 
assemble  within  the  hour  the  most  learned  doctors  of  the 
Law  in  all  Jerusalem.  Make  haste. 

PAGE. 
[with  another  obeisance] 


$2  The   Star   of  Bethlehem 

It  shall  be  as  though  I  had  wings  to  my  feet  to  do  thy 
bidding,  O  King. 
\Exit  PAGE  hastily,  center.     Enter  LADY  in  attendance 

upon  QUEEN  AZILI  by  door,  left.     HEROD  stays  her 

with  a  gesture.] 

LADY. 

[dropping  a  s^veeping  curtesy.] 
All  hail,  O  King! 

HEROD. 
Where  is  the  Queen? 

LADY. 

She  hath  gone  unto  Bethlehem,  may  it  please  thee,  O 
King,  to  visit  the  infant  prince  at  nurse  there. 

HEROD. 

Unto  Bethlehem?    Tis  well.    Upon  her  return  bid  her 
wait  upon  me. 

LADY. 

Thy  commands  shall  be  obeyed,  O  King. 
[She  makes  another  curtesy  and  exits,  center.  HEROD 
moodily  paces  floor  as  before  for  a  minute,  then 
ascends  dais,  seats  himself,  and  leans  chin  on  hand. 
Enter  ANTIPATER  center,  followed  by  MELCHIOR, 
CASPAR  and  BALTHAZAR.  They  approach  dais. 
HEROD  rises.] 

ANTIPATER. 
[making  obeisance] 
Behold,  O  King,  my  Father,  these  are  the  famed  Magi 


The  Star  of  Bethlehem  9J 

them  baclest  me  invite  to  honor  thee  by  a  visit  to  thy 
court. 

HEROD. 

Most  welcome  are  ye,  O  illustrious  strangers,  to  my 
city  of  Jerusalem,  and  my  palace. 
[The  three  MAGI  salaam.'] 

MELCHIOR. 

We  thank  thee,  O  King,  for  thus  honoring  us. 
HEROD. 

But  now  was  I  apprised  of  your  arrival,  whereupon 
dispatched  I  my  beloved  son  there,  Antipater,  to  seek  ye 
out,  that  I  might  greet  ye,  and  lay  all  the  resources  of  my 
kingdom  at  your  disposal. 

CASPAR. 
Thou  doest  us  too  great  honor,  O  King. 

BALTHAZAR. 

This  courtesy,  O  King,  confirms  the  report  we  have 
heard  of  thy  hospitality. 

HEROD. 

Kings  honor  themselves  in  bestowing  honor  upon  the 
wise.  Something  have  I  heard  of  the  purpose  that  brings 
ye  to  our  realm.  Seek  ye  not  the  Messiah,  that  divinely- 
appointed  prince  foretold  by  our  inspired  prophets  of  old, 
whose  birth  the  people  of  Israel  are  hourly  expecting? 

MELCHIOR. 
We  seek  him  who  is  born  King  of  the  Jews,  for  so  was 


94.  The   Star   of  Bethlehem 

it  revealed  unto  us.     His  Star  have  we  seen  in  the  East, 
and  are  come  to  worship  him. 

HEROD. 

Even  so.  It  must  be  the  Messiah  whom  ye  seek.  No 
other  can  it  be.  In  all  ways  possible  will  I  aid  ye  in  your 
search.  Already  have  I  called  a  council  of  the  wise  men 
of  my  realm,  that  they  may  declare  unto  me  the  place 
where  this  glorious  prince  is  to  be  born.  When  this  I 
have  ascertained,  immediately  will  I  communicate  it  unto 
ye.  Meanwhile,  I  beg  that  ye  will  honor  me  by  partak- 
ing of  the  refreshment  my  son  Antipater  will  have  pre- 
pared. Then  will  we  confer  further  on  this  important 
subject. 


Greatly  are  we  beholden  to  thee,  O  King,  for  this  as 
thy  other  courtesies. 

CASPAR  and  BALTHAZAR. 
[together.] 

Our  venerable  colleague  voices  our  sentiments,  O,  King. 

.     HEROD. 

[filming  to  ANTIPATER.] 

Conduct  these  noble  strangers  to  our  banquet-hall,  and 
order  such  a  feast  as  befits  royal  visitors  set  before  them. 

ANTIPATER. 

[with  a  profound  obeisance.] 
It  shall  be  as  thou  sayest,  O  King,  my  father. 
[The  MAGI  salaam,  and  follow  ANTIPATER.    He  and  they 


The  Star  of  Bethlehem  95 

dais,  seats  himself  again  on  the  throne,  leans  chin 
exit,  center,  turning  to  the  left.  HEROD  re-ascends 
on  hand,  and  is  apparently  plunged  in  gloomy  reverie. 
Enter  HIGH  PRIEST  and  DOCTORS  OF  THE  LAW  from 
the  right  center. 

HIGH  PRIEST. 
{making  an  obeisance.} 

In  obedience  to  thy  command,  O  King,  these  learned 
doctors  and  myself  here  present  ourselves.  What  is  thy 
royal  pleasure? 

HEROD. 

Thee  have  I  summoned,  together  with  these  distin- 
guished students  of  the  Sacred  Scriptures,  that  ye  may 
consult  together,  and  declare  unto  me  where  say  the 
prophets  the  Messiah  is  to  be  born,  whose  advent  our  peo- 
ple now  believe  to  be  nigh  at  hand. 

HIGH  PRIEST. 
[bowing.} 

Thy  will  is  ours,  O  King.  Permit  us  to  refer  to  the 
rolls  of  prophecy. 

HEROD. 
'Tis  well.    I  will  patiently  await  your  report. 

[With  a  profound  obeisance  the  HIGH  PRIEST  retires,  and 
joins  the  DOCTORS,  who  after  bowing  to  HEROD,  retire 
up  stage,  left,  where  they  consult  rolls  of  prophecy, 
and  confer  together.  HEROD  sits  still,  leaning  chin 
on  hand,  and  again  seems  lost  in  gloomy  meditation. 


96  The  Star  of  Bethlehem 

DOCTORS  conclude  their  conference,  and  HIGH  PRIEST 
again  approaches  dais.] 

HIGH  PRIEST. 
[with  another  obeisance.] 

Unanimously  the  learned  doctors  declare,  O  King,  that 
the  Messiah  is  to  be  born  in  Bethlehem  of  Judea.  For 
thus  it  is  written  by  the  prophet :  "And  thou,  Bethlehem, 
in  the  land  of  Judea,  art  not  the  least  among  the  princes 
of  Judea;  for  out  of  thee  shall  come  a  Governor,  that 
shall  mile  my  people  Israel." 

HEROD. 
'Tis  well.    Accept  my  thanks. 

HIGH  PRIEST. 

It  is  our  pleasure  to  serve  thee,  O  King 
[HIGH  PRIEST  and  DOCTORS  OF  THE  LAW  all  bow  pro- 
foundly. Exeunt  center,  leaving  by  terrace  to  the 
right.  Enter  ANTIPATER  and  the  three  MAGI,  from 
the  left,  center.  The  latter  approach  dais,  and  again 
salaam.  HEROD  rises.] 

HEROD. 

Again  welcome,  illustrious  strangers.  But  now  hath 
adjourned  the  convocation  of  eminent  students  of  our 
sacred  Scriptures,  whom  I  called  together  with  a  view 
of  aiding  ye  in  your  search  for  the  great  prince  of  Israel, 
whose  birth  was  miraculously  foretold  to  ye.  The  council 
hath  declared  unto  me  that  according  to  the  word  of  the 
holy  prophet  of  Jehovah  he  is  to  be  born  in  Bethlehem  of 
Judea.  My  son,  Antipater,  will  accompany  ye  thither, 


The   Star   of  Bethlehem  07 

and  provide  a  fitting  escort,  that  ye  may  journey  in  all 
honor. 

MELCHIOR. 

We  thank  thee,  O  King,  for  thy  gracious  offer;  but 
we  must  pursue  our  search  unattended,  for  thus  was  it 
revealed  unto  us  by  celestial  visitants  in  inspired  visions. 

HEROD. 

So  be  it.  Yet  must  our  son,  Antipater,  to  return  with 
ye  to  your  inn,  and  in  all  ways  expedite  the  preparations 
for  your  departure.  Then  when  ye  have  come  unto 
Bethlehem,  seek  diligently  for  the  child;  and  when  ye 
have  found  him,  bring  me  word  again,  that  I  may  come 
and  worship  him  also. 

MELCHIOR. 
Thy  favor  overwhelms  us,  O  King. 

HEROD. 

Nay,  noble  friend.  It  is  my  pleasure,  no  less  than  my 
duty,  to  honor  distinguished  visitors  to  my  court.  My 
only  regret  is  that  the  hospitality  I  am  permitted  to  show 
ye  accords  not  with  your  merits,  but  solely  with  mv  good- 
will. 

MELCHIOR. 
[bowing  low.] 

Most  gracious  art  thou,  O  King. 

[The  MAGI,  and  ANTIPATER,  all  make  obeisance,  and 
exit  center.  When  they  disappear,  HEROD  descends 
hastily  from  dais,  and  knocks  at  secret  door  in  wall. 
PHEON  enters,  and  drops  on  knee.] 


98  The   Star   of  Bethlehem 

HEROD. 

Go  thou  by  the  secret  way  to  the  palace  gate,  and  follow 
the  mysterious  strangers  who  but  now  left  my  presence, 
and  journey  unto  Bethlehem.  Find  out  whom  they  seek 
there,  and  return  hither  in  all  haste.  On  thy  life  lose 
not  sight  of  them  for  a  single  instant  until  thine  errand 
is  accomplished. 

PHEON. 

It  shall  be  as  thou  commandest,  O  King. 
[PnEON   hastily  rises,  and  with  an  obeisance,   exit  by 
secret  door,  and  closes  it  after  him.] 

HEROD. 

[standing  still,  center,  and  clenching  hands.] 
He  shall  not  escape  me !     He  shall  not  escape  me ! 


SCENE  III. 

Place  of  the  Nativity  by  night.    Same  as  in  Act  II,  Scene 
II.  MARY  is  heard  singing  within  as  curtain  rises. 

SONG. 
Sweet  babe  divine,  lie  still  and  slumber. 

God's  holy  angels  hover  round. 
Celestial  hosts,  thought  cannot  number, 

Watch  o'er  thee  in  earth's  fetters  bound. 
Thou  comest  unto  mankind  showing 

The  love  the  Heavenly ,  Father  bears 
For  His  poor  children,  vvho  unknowing 

His  fields  have  sown  ivith  weeds  and  tare*. 


The   Star  of  Bethlehem  9P 

Blest  am  I,  on  whose  breast  is  resting 
Thy  holy  head,  O,  Son  of  Light, 

Who  the  sad  world  from  evil  wresting 
Shall  usher  in  God's  day-spring  bright. 

[After  a  short  pause,  MARY  emerges  from  cavern,  glances 
about  her,  and  advances  slowly  to  center.] 

MARY. 

[lifting  her  eyes  toward  heaven  and  crossing  her  hands 

upon  breast.] 

O  great  Jehovah,  Lord  God  of  Israel,  how  wonderful 
are  Thy  ways.  Blessed,  indeed,  am  I  above  women ; 
since  Thine  Only  begotten  Son,  descending  from  His 
throne  of  glory  at  Thy  right  hand  to  redeem  a  lost  world, 
hath  by  Thy  will  through  me  taken  on  human  form.  I 
thank  Thee  for  Thy  great  grace,  and  ever  bless  Thy  holy 
name. 

[Enter  JOSEPH  from  cavern.] 

JOSEPH. 

[advancing  toward  her.] 

Peacefully  the  blessed  child  sleepeth.  Therefore, 
awhile  mayst  thou  linger  in  the  fresh  air,  my  dearest 
Mary.  Balmy  it  is  as  on  a  night  in  May ;  and  verily  here 
pervadeth  a  sweet  and  holy  peace,  such  as  no  other  spot 
on  earth  hath  ever  known.  It  is  as  though  the  unseen 
presence  of  the  Heavenly  Spirit  brooded  above  it,  and 
angelic  hosts  encompassed  it  'round  about. 

MARY. 

Yea,  Joseph,  God's  blessed  angels  ever  guard  the  Holy 
One.  Verily  the  Most  High  hath  given  them  charge 


ioo  The   Star  of  Bethlehem 

concerning  Him,  that  in  His  helpless  infancy  He  might 
have  such  protection  as  our  feeble  human  power  cannot 
afford. 

JOSEPH. 

Sooth  speakest  thoti.  But  much  doth  it  amaze  me  that 
Almighty  Jehovah  should  choose  that  His  divine  Son, 
King  of  the  Heavens,  round  whose  pearly  throne  circle 
the  blazing  stars,  and  the  Savior  of  the  world,  be  born 
in  a  wretched  stable,  and  be  ministered  unto  only  by 
humble  and  obscure  folk,  like  thou  and  I,  and  the  lowly 
shepherds  who  have  so  devotedly  aided  us  in  His  care. 

MARY. 

The  Lord's  ways  are  not  ours,  dear  Joseph.  Deeply 
grieved  was  I  at  first,  that  He,  my  son  and  my  Lord, 
whose  birth  was  announced  by  an  archangel,  and  heralded 
by  heavenly  choirs,  should  appear  on  earth  amid  such 
poor  and  mean  surroundings;  but  now  methinks,  dimly 
can  I  perceive  in  this  the  divine  purpose.  Is  it  not  meet 
that  He,  whom  the  prophets  declare,  shall  proclaim  good 
tidings  to  the  poor,  should  Himself  know  poverty? 

JOSEPH. 

Mayhap  thou  art  in  the  right.  But  why  lacketh  He 
the  honor  befitting  one  who  shall  be  King  of  Israel  and 
Lord  of  the  world? 

MARY. 

No  earthly  honor  needeth  He.  Unto  what  palace 
chamber  hath  thronged  the  blessed  seraphs,  who  bask  in 
the  ineffable  glory  of  the  presence  of  God,  as  unto  yonder 
humble  shelter  the  Lord  hath  provided  for  His  divine 
Son,  and  us  His  guardians? 


The   Star  of  Bethlehem  101 

JOSEPH. 

Yet  of  men  hath  the  Holy  One  thus  far  none  to  do 
Him  reverence  save  thou  and  I,  and  our  friends  the  poor 
shepherds. 

MARY. 

And  could  self-seeking  courtiers,  indifferent  hirelings, 
or  reluctant  bond-slaves,  minister  to  the  needs  of  a  tender 
babe  like  those  who  serve  him  with  unquestioning  faith 
and  love? 

JOSEPH. 

But  how  shall  His  work  be  accomplished,  if  He  associ- 
ates Himself  with  the  poor  and  lowly  of  earth  ? 

MARY. 

Question  not  the  wisdom  of  the  Most  High,  my  hus- 
band. Rememberest  thou  not  how  Saul  went  forth  to 
seek  two  beasts  strayed  from  his  father's  herd,  and  found 
the  crown  of  Judea,  and  David,  our  great  ancestor,  the 
simple  shepherd  lad,  likewise  became  king,  and  a  mighty 
man  of  war  to  save  Israel  from  the  wrath  of  the  Gentiles  ? 
The  mission  of  the  divine  Messiah  cannot  fail.  Though 
He  be  despised  and  rejected  of  men,  His  glory  shall 
cover  all  lands  as  the  waters  cover  the  sea.  Even  now, 
if  it  be  the  will  of  Jehovah,  may  the  great  and  wise  be 
sent  from  the  ends  of  the  earth  to  do  Him  homage. 

JOSEPH. 

[bowing  his  head  humbly.] 
I  stand  rebuked,  dear  Mary. 

MARY. 

Now  must  I  return  to  my  watch  beside  the  sleeping 
babe  lest  he  waken  and  have  need  of  me. 


The   Star  of  Bethlehem 

[MARY  re-enters  cavern.  Star  of  Bethlehem  again 
appears  in  sky,  left,  and  moves  slowly  towards  right, 
as  before.] 

JOSEPH. 

O,  my  blessed  son,  if  mine  thou  mayest  be  called,  who 
art  the  offspring  of  eternal  God,  forgive  the  weakness 
which  caused  my  faith  to  falter  in  the  midst  of  mysteries 
my  feeble  understanding  comprehendeth  not.  Hence- 
forth, whate'er  betide,  shall  I  rely  upon  the  blessed 
promises  of  the  Lord  God  of  Israel,  whose  word  cannot 
fail,  and  be  in  thought  and  deed  obedient  to  His  will.  [He 
glances  toward  trail.]  A  company  of  men  approach  yon- 
der. What  would  they  ? 

[The  three  MAGI,  accompanied  by  their  attendants,  de- 
scend trail.  They  salute  JOSEPH  with-  Oriental 
salaams.} 

MELCHIOR. 
Peace  be  unto  thee,  friend. 

JOSEPH. 
And  unto  ye.    Whom  seek  ye? 

MELCHIOR. 

We  seek  Him  who  is  born  King  of  the  Jews.  His 
Star  saw  we  in  our  homes  in  the  far  east,  and  have  come 
to  worship  him.  Behold  the  glorious  planet,  which  hath 
guidest  us  hither,  hath  stayed  its  course  above  yonder 
rude  shelter.  Canst  thou  tell  us  if  there  abideth  the  infant 
prince  of  Israel? 

JOSEPH. 
Yea,  under  that  humble  roof  rests  the  holy  Messiah, 


The  Star  of  Bethlehem  103 

whose  advent  the  inspired  prophets  of  the  Lord  God  of 
Israel  long  since  foretold,  and  whose  glory  shall  encom- 
pass the  whole  world. 

MELCHIOR. 

Suffer  us,  then,  to  humbly  lay  at  his  feet  the  offerings 
of  gold,  frankincense  and  myrrh  we  have  brought  with 
us,  typifying  the  reverence  mankind  through  all  future 
generations  must  pay  unto  the  Holy  One,  whom  the 
great  God  that  even  they  which  sit  in  darkness  ignorantly 
worship,  hath  sent  to  redeem  the  world. 

JOSEPH. 

[opening  door  of  cavern.} 
Ye  are  most  welcome.     [Calls.]     Mary! 
[CASPAR  takes  golden  casket  from  attendant,  and  MEL- 
CHIOR  and  BALTHAZAR  alabaster  vases  from  the  two 
others.    MARY  appears  in  door  of  cavern.} 
This  is  the  mother  of  the  Holy  Babe. 

MARY. 
Ye  are  welcome,  sirs.    I  pray  ye  enter. 

The  MAGI. 
[together.} 

We  are  most  honored. 

[They  bozv  profoundly,  and  she  leads  the  way  into  cavern. 
JOSEPH  lingers  a  moment.] 

JOSEPH. 

How  strangely  was  Mary's  prophecy  fulfilled.  Marve- 
lous are  the  ways  of  Jehovah.  Blessed  is  the  name  of  the 
Lord. 


104  The   Star   of  Bethlehem 

[He  enters  cavern.  After  a  moment's  interval,  the  MAGI 
emerge  from  cavern,  followed  by  JOSEPH  and  MARY. 
They  turn  and  make  obeisance.] 

MARY. 

The  holy  peace  of  the  Most  High  who  hath  guided  ye 
hither  from  far-off  lands,  O,  noble  strangers,  abide 
with  ye ! 

MELCHIOR. 

Be  it  even  so  unto  thee,  O,  blessed  mother  of  the  Re- 
deemer of  the  World!  Graciously  permit  that  our  ser- 
vants may  likewise  pay  homage  to  the  Holy  Babe? 

MARY. 
[b  ozving] 

They  will  be  welcome. 

[The  three  MAGI  go  up  to  their  attendants,  and  appar- 
ently speak  to  them  in  their  own  tongue.  The  serv- 
ants approach  cavern,  and  prostrate  themselves  before 
it,  then  follow  MARY  ivithin.  MELCHIOR  turns  to 
JOSEPH.] 

MELCHIOR. 

One  favor  would  we  crave  of  thee,  most  honored 
friend,  ere  we  depart  hence.  This  morning  when  we 
arrived  in  Jerusalem,  did  Herod,  the  king,  send  unto  us 
his  son,  Prince  Antipater,  and  besought  us  to  visit  him  at 
his  palace.  There  received  he  us  in  all  graciousness ; 
and  on  learning  of  the  object  of  our  search,  called  to- 
gether a  council  of  the  wise  men  of  the  realm,  who  re- 
vealed unto  him  that  the  great  prince,  whom  ye  of  Israel 


The   Star  of  Bethlehem  705 

call  the  Messiah,  should  be  born  in  Bethlehem.  Then 
bade  he  us  journey  thither  and  find  him;  and  when  we 
had  done  so  return  and  disclose  the  place  of  his  abode, 
that  he  might  come  and  worship  Him  also.  But,  lo,  when 
we  were  come  unto  Bethlehem,  and  tarried  at  the  inn 
until  nightfall  that  we  might  seek  the  aid  of  our  mysteri- 
ous guide,  yon  glorious  star,  [points  to  star,]  there 
appeared  unto  us,  as  we  sought  repose  after  our  journey 
a  Celestial  Messenger,  who  bade  us  return  to  our  homes 
by  another  way,  and  in  all  secrecy.  Therefore,  prepared 
we  to  journey  unto  Tarsus,  and  there  take  ship,  so  have 
sent  our  goods  thither  by  caravan.  Knowest  thou  not 
some  by-way  that  will  lead  us  to  the  high-road  to  the 
coast  without  again  entering  the  town ;  for  much  fear 
we  the  crafty  king  hath  spies  upon  our  track? 

[Attendants  come  from  cavern,  followed  by  MARY.] 

JOSEPH. 

Yea,  of  such  a  path  have  I  learned  from  the  shepherds 
of  these  parts.    Suffer  me  to  guide  ye  to  it. 

MELCHIOR. 

We  thank  thee.     [To  MARY,  bowing.]     Farewell,  most 
blessed  of  women. 

CASPAR  and  BALTHAZAR. 

[in  turn,  also  bowing.} 
Farewell. 

MARY. 
Farewell,  and  God  speed,  noble  strangers. 


fo6  The   Star  of  Bethlehem 

[Bxit  JOSEPH  by  trail,  followed  by  the  MAGI  and  their 

attendants.     MARY  advances    to    center.      Light    is 

throivn  upon  her.    She  crosses  hands  upon  her  breast 

and  raises  her  eyes.] 

My  soul  doth  magnify  the  Lord,  and  my  spirit  hath 
rejoiced  in  God,  my  Savior. 

Because  He  hath  regarded  the  humility  of  His  hand- 
maid; for  behold  henceforth  all  generations  shall 
call  me  blessed. 

For  He  that  is  mighty  hath  done  great  things  unto 
me,  and  holy  is  His  name. 

And  His  mercy  is  from  generation  to  generation  of 
them  that  fear  Him. 

He  hath  showed  might  in  His  arm.  He  hath  scat- 
tered the  proud  in  the  conceit  of  their  hearts. 

He  hath  put  down  the  mighty  from  their  seats,  and 
hath  exalted  the  humble. 

He  hath  filled  the  hungry  with  good  things;  and  the 
rich  He  hath  sent  empty  away.  [She  kneels.] 

He  hath  received  Israel,  His  servant,  being  mindful 
of  His  mercy, 

As  He  spake  unto  our  fathers;  to  Abraham  and  to  his 
seed  forever. 

[Angels,  without  sing.] 

CHORUS  of  ANGELS. 
Glory  be  to  the  Father,  and  to  the  Son, 
And  to  the  Holy  Ghost! 
Amen! 


The  Star  of  Bethlehem  107 

SCENE  IV. 

Anteroom  of  HEROD'S  private  apartments  in  his  palace  at 
Jerusalem.  Arched  doorway,  center,  hung  with  richly 
embroidered,  crimson  curtains.  There  is  no  furni- 
ture; but  the  floor  is  pared  with  variegated  marbles, 
as  in  Scene  II. 

HEROD  discovered,  divested  of  ceremonial  robes  and 
crown,  moodily  pacing  back  and  forth. 

HEROD. 

He  shall  not  escape  me  !     How  can  he  ? 
[Enter  TOLLOMEO  right  i.] 

TOLLOMEO. 

Pheon,  the  slave,  whom  thou  didst  bid  me  summon  to 
thy  presence  immediately  upon  his  return  to  the  palace 
awaits  thy  pleasure. 

HEROD. 

Send  him  hither. 

[TOLLOMEO  boivs,  and  c.vits.     Enter  PHEON.] 

PHEON. 

[dropping  on  knee.] 
All  hail,  O,  King! 

HEROD. 
What  of  thine  errand  ?    Stay  not  thy  tongue. 

PHEON. 

[striving  to  steady  his  voice.] 

I,  O  King,  tracked  the  strangers  thou  didst  bid  me 
follow  unto  Bethlehem,  and  kept  watch  at  the  inn  whilst 
they  did  tarry  within.  When  night  was  come,  and  they 


The   Star  of  Bethlehem 

fared  forth  through  the  town,  again  I  tracked  them.  But 
so  great  was  the  multitude  gathered  in  the  streets  to 
behold  the  prodigious  star  that  lately  appeared  in  the 
heavens,  that  I  lost  sight  of  them  in  the  press,  nor  could  I 
learn  whence  went  they.  Then  returned  I  unto  the  inn ; 
and  there  was  I  told  that  they  had  departed  for  their  own 
land,  but  none  knew  by  what  way. 

HEROD. 

[Seising  him  by  the  throat  and  violently  shaking  him.] 
Fool !    Dolt !     [Releases  hold  on  his  throat,  and  glares 
fiercely  into  his  face.]     Thou  shalt  die  the  death. 

PHEON. 

[Clasping  his  hands  and  groveling  before  the  king.] 
Have  pity,  O  King!    Have  pity!    All  that  I  could  did 
I  to  obey  thy  commands.     Spare  me !     Spare  me ! 

HEROD. 

I  warned  thee  not  to  let  them  elude  thee  on  thy  life. 
The  word  of  Herod  is  sure.  [Claps  his  hands.  Enter 
TOLLOMEO.]  Summon  me  the  guard,  and  tarry  thou  here. 

TOLLOMEO. 
[bowing] 
As  thou  sayest,  O  King ! 

[Claps  hands.     Enter  two  soldiers.] 

HEROD. 
[to  soldiers.] 

Take  this  blundering  fool  to  the  dungeons,  and  let 
him  be  tortured  to  death. 

PHEON. 

[still  groveling  before  the  king.] 
Mercy,  O  King !    Mercy ! 


The   Star  of  Bethlehem  109 

HEROD. 

[spurning  him  with  foot.] 
Take  him  away. 
[Soldiers  seize  PHEON,  and  start  to  drag  him  off  right.] 

PHEON. 

[struggling  in  their  grasp.] 

Have  mercy,  O  King !  Spare  me !  Spare  me  !  Mercy ! 
Mercy ! 

[Soldiers  drag  him  off.     He  continues  to  cry,  without, 
until  his  roice  dies  away  in  the  distance.} 

HEROD. 

[to  TOLLOMEO.] 

Take  thou  a  trusty  band  of  thy  men,  and  go  unto  Beth- 
lehem. There  slay  every  male  child  of  two  years  and 
younger,  within  the  town,  and  the  country  round  about. 
See  that  thou  spare  not  one,  or  thou  shalt  die  a  death  of 
torture,  even  as  that  wretched  slave ;  and  like  him  shalt 
thou  plead  in  vain  for  mercy.  See  thou  to  it. 

TOLLOMEO. 
Thou  shalt  be  obeyed,  O  King. 


ACT  V. 


SCENE  I. 


Inferior  of  Place  of  Nativity.  Night.  Walls  and  roof 
apparently  of  solid  rock.  At  the  extreme  right,  back, 
is  the  manger,  a  deep  niche  in  the  wall,  filled  with 
straw,  in  which  may  be  dimly  discerned  a  form,  as 
of  a  sleeping  babe,  wrapped  in  Oriental  drapery.  A 
bright  white  light  streams  forth  from  the  manger, 
affording  the  only  illumination.  Close  beside  it  is  a 
pallet  of  straw,  on  which  MARY  lies,  covered  by  her 
cloak,  apparently  in  profound  slumber.  Left,  front, 
is  another  pallet  on  which  JOSEPH  lies,  also  seemingly 
in  a  deep  sleep.  The  place  has  a  semblance  of  com- 
fort, according  to  Oriental  ideas.  The  pallets  are 
covered  with  Oriental  blankets,  and.  provided  with 
cushions.  Center,  back,  is  a  long  rug,  in  the  center 
of  which  are  a  fezv  simple  pieces  of  crockery,  plates, 
,  wine  pitcher,  etc. 


Light  in  manger  is  suddenly  extinguished,  and  after  a 
few  seconds'  interval  is  thrown  on  back  of  scene, 
center,  where  appears  the  form  of  the  ARCHANGEL 
seen  in  Prelude. 


H4  The  Star  of  Bethlehem 

ARCHANGEL. 

[chants.] 

Rise,  O,  Joseph,  take  the  young  child  and  its  mother, 
and  flee  into  Egypt,  and  be  thou  there  until  I  bring  thee 
word;  for  Herod  will  seek  the  young  child  to  destroy 
him. 

[The  ARCHANGEL  disappears,  and  light  streams  out  from 
manger  again.    JOSEPH  springs  to  his  feet.] 

JOSEPH. 

[clasping  his  hands.] 

Alas,  that  the  tender  babe,  and  his  mother  who  hath 
not  yet  recovered  her  strength,  should  be  obliged  to  under- 
take this  long  and  wearisome  journey  across  desolate 
desert  wastes  to  a  strange  and  pagan  land.  But  the  com- 
mand of  the  Heavenly  Messenger  must  be  obeyed.  Mary ! 
Mary ! 

MARY. 

[starting  up.] 
Didst  thou  call  me,  Joseph  ? 

JOSEPH. 

Yea,  Mary.  [MARY  rises,  and  approaches  him.]  Sad 
news  have  I  for  thee.  This  very  night  must  we  start  on  a 
journey  to  Egypt.  For  so  was  I  but  now  commanded  by 
an  Angel  of  the  Lord,  who  appeared  unto  me  while  I 
slept,  and  warned  me  that  Herod  would  seek  the  Holy 
Child  to  slay  Him.  Thinkest  thou  that  thou  wilt  be  able 
to  fare  thus  far  in  thy  feeble  state  ? 

MARY. 
Yea,  my  dear  husband.     The  Lord  will  sustain  me. 


The  Star  of  Bethlehem  7/5 

Glory  be  unto  His  holy  name !    Let  us  hasten  to  depart, 
lest  danger  draw  nigh  to  the  blessed  child. 

JOSEPH. 

Gather  together  then  our  belongings  here,  while  I  find 
our  beast,  and  prepare  him  for  the  journey,  and  ere  many 
moments  will  we  be  upon  our  way. 

[Exit  JOSEPH  by  the  door,  left.  MARY  gathers  together 
rug,  blanket,  and  cushions  on  JOSEPH'S  pallet,  and 
does  them  up  in  a  neat  bundle.  She  then  packs 
articles  of  crockery  carefnll\  in  bag.  Enter  JOSEPH 
left.} 

MARY. 
Art  thou  ready  to  depart,  Joseph? 

JOSEPH. 

Yea,  dearest.     I  have  filled  our  water-skin  from  the 
spring,  that  we  will  not  need  to  tarry  by  the  way.    Ere 
dawn  will  we  be  far  enough  on  our  journey  to  the  south- 
ward to  elude  the  minions  of  the  cruel  king. 
[JOSEPH  takes  leathern  thong,  throws  it  around  bundle, 
and  ties  it  securely.     MARY  goes  to  manger,  takes 
out  the  gifts  of  the  MAGI  and  comes  forward  ivith 
them.] 

MARY. 

Behold,  dear  husband,  how  wonderfully  hath  the  Lord 
provided  for  the  expense  of  our  long  journey,  and  our 
sojourn  in  a  foreign  land.  Surely  these  precious  gifts 
of  the  wise  men  of  the  East  will  sell  for  a  sum  sufficient 
to  maintain  us  until  the  angel  summon  us  hither  again. 


n6  The  Star  of  Bethlehem 

JOSEPH. 

Yea,    verily,    marvelous    are    the    ways    of    Jehovah. 
Blessed  is  the  name  of  the  Lord ! 

[MARY  places  the  MAGIS'  gifts  carefully  in  bag  with 
dishes.  JOSEPH  fastens  it  securely  to  end  of  thong, 
slings  it  and  bundle  across  shoulder,  and  exits  again, 
left.  MARY  picks  up  her  mantle  she  has  left  lying 
on  her  pallet,  and  puts  it  on.] 

MARY. 

[Standing  still,  right  center,  and  crossing  hands  on  breast.} 
For  He  that  is  mighty  hath  done  great  things  unto 

me,  and  Holy  is  His  name. 
His  mercy  is  from  generation  to  generation  of  them 

that  fear  Him. 
He  hath  -  scattered  the  proud  in  the  conceit  of  their 

hearts. 

He  hath  put  down  the  mighty  from  their  seat,  and 
hath  exalted  the  humble. 

[She  glances  about  her.} 

Farwell,  humble  shelter,  more  glorious  than  was  ever 
the  most  gorgeous  of  kingly  palaces.  Lo,  in  future  ages 
will  all  men  esteem  this  the  most  sacred  spot  upon  the 
whole  earth;  hallowed  as  it  has  been  by  the  advent  of 
the  Son  of  the  eternal  God,  the  Saviour  of  the  world. 
Farewell,  farewell !  Blessed  be  this  lowly  abode  forever. 
[Enter  JOSEPH.] 

JOSEPH. 

[standing  in  doonvay.} 
Come,  Mary. 


The  Star  of  Bethlehem  117 

MARY. 
Yea,  Joseph. 

[She  goes  up  to  manger  as  if  to  take  child.  Lights  are 
extinguished.  Curtain  goes  up  again,  showing  MARY 
standing  b\  manger  with  child  in  her  arms 
wrapped  in  mantle.  Stage  is  darkened  again.} 


SCENE  II. 

Garden  and  park  of  HEROD'S  Country  Palace  of  Hero- 
dium.  Broad  piazza,  with  colonnade  of  Corinthian 
columns,  wreathed  with  roses,  right,  back  of  which 
rises  facade  of  palace.  The  piazza  is  paved  with 
variegated  marbles,  and  a  broad  flight  of  marble  steps 
conducts  to  the  garden,  which  is  adorned  with  blos- 
soming roses,  and  other  flowers.  Left,  is  a  border 
of  tall  trees,  and  in  the  background  is  a  dense  grove, 
showing  a  glimpse  of  an  ornamental  lake  to  the  right. 
Left,  center,  3,  is  a  marble  bench,  set  diagonally, 
facing  towards  right.  On  couch  on  piazza,  set  di- 
agonally, facing  toivards  left,  HEROD  is  discovered 
reclining  on  cushions.  A  deep  crimson  glow  as  of 
a  stormy  sunset,  pervades  the  scene,  and  the  sky  is 
apparently  overcast  with  heavy  clouds.  Effect  of 
clouds  rolling  slowly  upward. 

[A  low  growl,  as  of  distant  thunder  is  heard.  HEROD 
starts  up  from  couch,  and  glances  toward  back  of 
scene.] 


n8  The  Star  of  Bethlehem 

HEROD. 

[turning  toivards  audience.] 

Even  as  yonder  lowering  storm-clouds  gather  in  the 
heavens  do  perils  and  perplexities  beset  my  reign,  I  feel 
now  drawing  towards  its  close.  [He  descends  steps,  and 
paces  moodily  to  and  fro.  Pauses  center.  ]  Bowed 
down  with  cares  and  infirmities  rather  than  years, 
yet  can  I  know  no  rest.  On  every  hand,  unseen 
dangers  lurk  amid  the  shadows  that  overcast  my  path. 
Warily  must  I  take  each  step  lest  the  pitfalls  mine  ene- 
mies are  ever  digging  for  my  feet  engulf  me. 
[He  crosses  to  bench,  and  sits  down.  Enter  PAGE  from 
palace.] 

PAGE. 
A  courier  from  Rome  awaits  thy  pleasure,  O,  King. 

HEROD. 
Conduct  him  hither. 

PAGE. 

I  hasten  to  obey,  O,  King. 

[PAGE  makes  profound  obeisance,  and  exits  from  palace. 
Enter  COURIER  of  AUGUSTUS,  in  costume  of  Roman 
soldier,  from  palace,  with  roil  of  papyrus  in  his  hand. 
He  approaches  HEROD,  doffs  helmet,  and  bows. 
HEROD  rises.] 

COURIER. 

In  all  haste  came  I  from  Rome,  O,  King,  to  bear  unto 
thee  this  message  from  Caesar-Augustus,  Consul  and 
Tribune  of  the  Roman  people. 

[Extends  scroll.] 


The  Star  of  Bethlehem  119 

HEROD. 

[taking  scroll,  and  bowing.] 

Thou  art  most  welcome,  as  envoy  of  the  Master  of  the 
World. 
[Claps  hands.     Enter  page,  who  stands  still  in  door  of 

palace.] 

Conduct  this  noble  Roman  to  the  apartments  of  Prince 
Antipater,  and  command  in  my  name  that  he  be  enter- 
tained in  all  honor,  as  befits  a  representative  of  my  lord, 
the  most  illustrious  Caesar-Augustus,  Emperor  of  Rome. 

PAGE. 
[bowing] 

It  shall  be  as  thou  commandest,  O  King. 
[COURIER  bows,  and  follows  PAGE  to  the  palace.    HEROD 
opens  scroll.] 

HEROD. 
[reading.] 

To  Herod,  King  of  Judea,  Greeting: — Having  learned 
this  day  from  an  unquestioned  source  that  there  is  even 
now  hatching  in  thy  court  a  plot  threatening  the  liberty 
and  the  life  of  thy  noble  sons,  Aristobulus  and  Alexander, 
for  whom,  as  having  been  reared  and  educated  under  mine 
own  eyes  here  in  Rome,  I  cherish  a  particular  solicitude, 
I  hereby  summon  thee  to  repair  immediately  to  Rome 
that  I  may  obtain  from  thee  assurance  of  their  safety. 
In  this  fail  not.  Hail  and  farewell !  CAESAR. 

Given  at  Rome,  in  the  year  745  from  the  foundation  of 
the  city,  and  of  our  empire  44. 


120  The   Star  of  Bethlehem 

[HEROD  rolls  up  scroll,  placing  it  in  bosom  of  his  robe. 
Deeper  growls  of  thunder  heard,  as  if  storm  were 
approaching.  Red  light  dies  out,  and  stage  is  dimly 
lighted.] 

More  plots.  So  Aristobulus  and  Alexander  have  com- 
plained of  me  to  Caesar.  Well,  I  will  journey  unto  Rome, 
and  make  such  promises  as  will  satisfy  the  Emperor.  But 
let  them  beware.  An  I  once  have  proof  that  they  are 
conspiring  against  me,  not  even  for  their  mother's  sake 
will  I  spare  them.  I  will  crush  them,  as  I  will  all  others 
that  would  thwart  me,  like  worms  beneath  my  heel. 
[Rises  and  paces  restlessly  back  and  forth.]  Let 
them  beware!  Let  them  beware!  [Pauses  center.] 
Augustus  dare  not  depose  me ;  for  well  he  knows,  as 
did  Antony,  that  I  alone  can  hold  the  turbulent  peoples 
of  these  subjugated  lands  in  check,  and  a  great  lover  of 
peace  is  he. 

[Another  roll  of  thunder  is  heard.     Enter  TOLLOMEO 
hastily  from  palace.    HEROD  sits  down  on  bench,  and 
turns  to  him.] 
Well? 

TOLLOMEO. 
[bowing] 

I  come  to  report,  O,  King,  the  accomplishment  of  the 
task  thou  last  night  didst  lay  upon  me. 

HEROD. 
Say  on. 

TOLLOMEO. 
In  obedience  to  thy  command,  O  King,  chose  I  five 


The   Star  of  Bethlehem  121 

hundred  of  my  trustiest  men,  whom  I  did  promise  rich 
reward  for  compliance  with  thy  will,  and  even  as  thou 
didst  menance  me,  threatened  with  direst  penalties  of  thy 
wrath  if  they  should  fail.  These  mounted  I  upon  our 
swiftest  and  sturdiest  steeds ;  so  ere  the  night  wore  late 
arrived  we  at  Bethlehem.  Here,  after  placing  guards  at 
all  the  exits  of  the  town,  that  none  might  escape  there- 
from, divided  I  the  troops  into  two  bands,  one  of  which 
set  I  to  search  all  the  dwellings  of  the  town,  while  the 
other  ordered  I  to  scour  the  country,  even  to  the  most 
remote  crannies  of  the  hills. 

HEROD. 

[muttering  to  himself.] 

Then  must  he  have  perished.  How  could  he  have 
escaped  ? 

TOLLOMEO. 

Not  one  escaped,  O,  King.  Verily  can  I  testify  that  in 
Bethlehem,  and  the  coasts  thereof,  now  remains  alive  no 
male  child  of  two  years  or  under ;  for  ere  I  departed  from 
thence  with  all  diligence  did  I  inspect  the  work  of 
slaughter,  that  obedience  to  thy  commands  should  in  no 
wise  fail. 

HEROD. 

'Tis  well.  Didst  thou  meet  with  a  determined  show  of 
resistance  ? 

TOLLOMEO. 

Yea,  O  King.  In  the  town,  upon  our  first  attack,  men 
armed  themselves  with  whatever  might  serve  for  weapons, 
and  opposed  our  progress  from  street  to  street;  and  in 
the  country  likewise  organized  they  into  armed  bands, 


122  The   Star  of   Betklehem 

and  waged  a  desperate  conflict.  Yet  was  all  their  valor 
futile ;  for  the  soldiers  did  ride  them  down,  and  trample 
them  beneath  the  hoofs  of  their  steeds,  or  put  them  merci- 
lessly to  the  sword. 

HEROD. 
And  what  of  the  women? 

TOLLOMEO. 

They,  also,  when  they  found  that  prayers  and  tears 
availed  not,  did  fight  like  tigresses  in  defense  of  their 
young;  and  when  their  strength  failed  them,  many  threw 
themselves  upon  the  sword,  or  making  shields  of  their 
bodies  to  protect  their  little-ones,  were  slain  by  the  same 
strokes  that  killed  their  babes. 

HEROD. 
It  must  have  been  a  scene  of  havoc. 

TOLLOMEO. 

Yea,  O  King.  Ere  we  had  accomplished  our  work,  the 
homes  and  streets  of  Bethlehem  were  even  as  shambles ; 
and  in  the  country  round  about  the  houses  and  fields  were 
strewn  with  corpses,  and  swimming  in  blood.  Men, 
exhausted  from  battle  and  covered  with  wounds,  glared 
at  us  with  looks  of  ferocious  hatred  in  their  eyes;  and 
frantic  women  rushed  to  and  fro,  wailing,  beating  their 
breasts,  rending  their  garments,  and  showering  dust  upon 
their  heads. 

HEROD. 

Such  scenes  are  deplorable,  but  often  are  they  neces- 
sary for  the  safety  of  the  state.  What  measures  didst 
thou  take  to  preserve  the  public  peace  ? 


The   Star  of  Bethlehem  123 

TOLLOMEO. 

A  strong  force  stationed  I  in  the  town  that  there  might 
be  no  uprising  there,  and  gave  orders  that  no  organized 
bands  be  admitted  from  without. 

HEROD. 

'Tis  well.  And  art  thou  sure  that  none  of  thy  men 
gave  heed  to  any  plea  for  mercy? 

TOLLOMEO. 

None,  O  King.  All  were  slain.  Many  mothers  tried 
to  secrete  their  babes;  but  the  little  ones,  knowing  not 
how  to  guard  themselves  from  danger,  by  their  cries  be- 
trayed their  hiding-places,  and  were  dragged  forth,  and 
slaughtered.  Parents  who  sought  to  flee  with  their  babes 
were  stopped,  and  the  children  snatched  from  their  arms, 
and  despatched  before  their  eyes.  In  the  suburbs  came 
we  upon  a  child,  in  costly  raiment,  in  charge  of  a  woman 
of  the  people,  who  besought  us  to  spare  him,  saying  he 
was  thy  son.  Hearing  this,  the  soldiers  would  fain  have 
stayed  their  arms.  But  I,  mindful  of  thy  explicit  com- 
mand, didst  slay  him  with  my  own  hand. 

HEROD. 

[Grasping  arm  of  bench  convulsively,  utters  sharp  cry  of 

pain.] 
Ey! 

[HE  bows  lu's  head  in  his  hands  and  groans.] 

TOLLOMEO. 
What  is  thy  further  pleasure,  O  King? 


124  The   Star   of  Bethlehem 

HEROD. 

[springing  to  his  feet] 

Begone!  Thy  face  is  hateful  to  me.  Such  murderous 
instruments  as  thou  kings  must  perforce  make  use  of 
even  while  abhorring  them  [HE  takes  heavy  purse  of 
gold  from  the  bosom  of  his  robe,  and  tosses  it  at  the  feet 
of  TOUIOMEO.]  With  this  pay  thou  thy  fiendish  cut- 
throats and  thyself;  and  seek  no  more  my  presence  till 
I  summon  thee. 
[TOLLOMEO  picks  up  purse,  and  strides  off  into  palace. 

HEROD  drops  down  again  on  bench.] 
The  fresh  blood  of  those  slaughtered  innocents  seems 
smoking  from  the  ground  here  at  my  feet,  and  its  odor 
assails   my  nostrils. 

[Shudders,  bows  head  on  hands  again,  and  groans. 
Springs  to  his  feet,  and  strides  to  right,  front,  and 
back,  wringing  his  hands.] 

My  own  child !     My  own  child  !    I  meant  not  that !     I 
meant  not  that! 

[Drops  down  on  bench  again.  Long  roll  of  thunder  is 
heard.  Voice  of  rabbi  is  heard  within  the  palace, 
reading.] 

RABBI. 

In  Rama  was  a  voice  heard,  lamentation,  weeping, 
and  great  mourning.     Rachel  weeping  for  her  children, 
and  would  not  be  comforted,  because  they  are  not. 
[Another  roll  of  thunder.  HEROD  groans  again.  QUEEN 
Aziivi  rushes  frantically  from  palace,  in  court  cos- 
tume, with  diadem  on  head,  but  with  hair  dishevelled, 
and   disordered   garments.] 


The  Star  of  Bethlehem  125 

AZILI. 

Jehovah  blast  thee  with  His  wrath,  thou  bloody  tyrant ! 
[Another  roll  of  thunder.] 

HEROD. 

[starting  up,  in  a  tone  of  tenderness] 
What  meanest  thou,  dear  wife? 

AZILI. 

How  darest  thou  call  me  by  the  sacred  name  of  wife? 
Monster!  Fiend!  Why  didst  thou  make  me  mother  of 
thy  child,  only  to  slay  him  in  his  tender  infancy? 

HEROD. 
[sternly] 
Restrain  thyself,  woman. 

AZILI. 

Nay,  tyrant  of  Judea.  In  this  hour  from  my  lips  shalt 
thou  hear  the  truth.  My  words  brand  thee  what  thou 
art ;  a  wretch  abhorred  of  God  and  man ;  one  whose  bloody 
deeds  had  shamed  the  ravening  tiger.  So  vile  art  thou, 
that  even  fiends  in  deepest  gulfs  of  hell  might  shudder 
at  thy  name. 

HEROD. 
Silence!     I  am  the  king. 

AZILI. 

Yea,  of  demons.  Let  Beelzebub  resign  his  throne,  and 
reign  thou  in  his  stead. 

HEROD. 

[springing  to  his  feet] 
Nay,  King  of  Judea  am  I ;  and  till  my  last  gasp  will 


126  The   Star   of  Bethlehem 

defend  my  throne  'gainst  whomsoever  seeks  to  snatch  it 
from  me. 

AZILI. 

Yea,  a  throne  secured  through  wrong  and  maintained 
by  murder.  But  didst  thou  fear  the  puny  hands  of  babes 
would  hurl  thee  from  it  ? 

HEROD. 

What's  mine  is  mine,  howe'er  it  was  obtained,  and  I 
will  hold  it  while  breath  stirs  my  frame.  I  fear  not  gods 
nor  men;  but  I  must  needs  be  wary  would  I  circumvent 
the  schemes  my  foes  devise  to  ruin  me.  Babes  ere  now 
have  served  as  nuclei  round  which  hath  treason  twined. 

AZILI. 

Was  that  the  reason  thou  didst  slay  our  child? 
HE:ROD. 

Nay,  that  I  meant  not ;  yet  perchance  'twas  best.  Hast 
thou  not  heard  long  since  was  prophesied  unto  me  a  child 
should  claim  my  throne?  And  two  days  since  appeared 
in  Jerusalem  three  wise  men  of  the  East,  saying  they 
came  to  seek  him  who  was  born  King  of  the  Jews.  Then 
straightway  called  I  a  council  of  learned  doctors  of  the 
law,  who  declared  unto  me  that  the  Messiah,  for  whom 
Israel  looks,  must  needs  be  born  in  Bethlehem.  So  sent 
I  the  strangers  thither,  bidding  them  find  the  babe  they 
sought,  then  return  to  me  and  reveal  the  place  of  his 
abode.  They  returned  not,  nor  could  the  spy  I  set  upon 
them  discover  whence  went  they.  Therefore  ordered  I 
every  male  child  whose  age  might  serve  as  pretense  that 
he  was  the  Messiah  put  to  the  sword.  Our  son  I  thought 
not  to  exempt,  so  with  the  rest  he  perished. 


The   Star  oj  Bethlehem  127 

AZILI. 

Thou  fool!  And  vvouldst  thou  pit  thy  petty  power 
against  Omnipotence?  If,  indeed,  the  Messiah  hath  ap- 
peared, could  not  Jehovah  send  one  of  His  angels  to 
snatch  Him  from  thy  cutthroat's  bloody  grasp?  Do  not 
the  Scriptures  tell  how  such  He  sent  to  deliver  the  three 
Hebrew  children  from  Nebuchadnezzar's  fiery  furnace, 
and  shut  the  mouths  of  the  lions  the  same  cruel  king  would 
fain  have  had  devour  the  prophet  Daniel  ? 

HEROD. 

Tush!  But  priestly  fables.  Wherefore,  then,  did  not 
thy  great  Jehovah  save  the  helpless  babes  of  Bethlehem, 
that  even  I  can  pity? 

AZILI. 

Thou  pity?  Yea,  as  the  lion  pities  the  lamb  he  slays, 
as  the  serpent  the  victim  of  its  fangs.  God's  ways  are 
not  as  man's,  but  His  vengeance  yet  shall  overtake  thee. 

HEROD. 

Nay,  I  slay  not  without  need,  I  but  safeguard  my  state. 
[HE  rises.]  Thy  words  pierce  like  daggers.  Since  Mari- 
anna  died  no  one  thus  hath  dared  brave  Herod  to  his 
face.  But,  there,  I  pardon  thee.  Come,  my  dear  wife, 
together  let  us  mourn  our  hapless  son's  untimely  death. 
[HE  tries  to  embrace  her.  She  wrenches  herself  from 
his  arms.] 

AZILI. 

Come  no  more  near  me.  I  shudder  at  thy  touch,  as  at 
some  slimy  reptile's.  Fitly  hath  Jehovah  punished  me, 
that  lured  by  the  glitter  of  a  crown,  I  sold  myself  to  thee, 
thou  fiend  in  human  form.  I'd  rather  be  meanest  of  slaves, 


128  The   Star  of  Bethlehem 

or  homeless  beggar  starving  in  the  streets,  than  reign  thy 

queen.    Take  back  thy  diadem. 

[Tears  diadem  from  her  hair,  and  throws  it  at  his  feet.] 

HEROD. 
[mockingly] 

Then  go,  and  mourn  alone,  or  join  thy  wails  with  Beth- 
lehem's bereaved  mothers. 

AZILI. 

Inhuman  monster!    Yea,  we  will  bewail  our  murdered 

babes,  I  and  those  other  mothers.     But  no  more  shalt 

thou  pollute  thy  blood-steeped  throne.    Die,  tyrant. 

[She  snatches  jewelled  dagger  from  her  girdle,  and  rushes 

upon  him.    He  grasps  her  wrists,  wrenches  her  hand 

free  from  dagger,  and  it  falls  to  the  ground.     He 

places  his  foot  upon  it,  releases  her  and  draws  sword.} 

AZILI. 

[tearing  open  the  bosom  of  her  robe] 
Strike !    Strike !    Slay  me,  since  I  have  failed  in  killing 
thee.     Slaughter  the  mother  as  thou  didst  the  child. 

HEROD. 

[sheathing  his  sword] 

Nay,  even  as  I  told  thee,  I  slay  not  uselessly.  Hyrcanus 
and  Aristobulus  would  fain  have  seized  my  crown,  there- 
fore them  I  slew.  Marianna  conspired  against  my  life; 
and  worse,  did  torture  me  with  sight  of  love  turned  to 
hatred.  Her,  likewise,  did  I  slay.  But  thou  I  love  not, 
and  thy  words  of  hate  can  have  no  power  to  hurt  me. 
Thou  hast  no  following  to  make  thee  dangerous  to  the 
realm.  Begone  in  peace. 
[Sits  down  on  bench] 


The  Star  of  Bethlehem  129 

AZILI. 

[throwing  up  her  arms] 

Hear  me,  Lord  God  of  Israel !  Hear  me  in  the  name 
of  Bethlehem's  sorrowing  mothers.  Pour  them  out  upon 
this  bloody  tyrant  the  vials  of  Thy  wrath.  Let  all  his 
schemes  be  foiled.  Let  all  who  own  his  blood  make  him 
a  mockery.  Let  his  name  be  a  byword  and  a  hissing  on 
men's  lips  for  untold  ages.  Send  down  upon  him  plagues. 
Let  his  frame  be  racked  with  tortures  like  unto  those 
that  he  on  others  hath  inflicted.  Let  his  bones  rot.  Let 
his  flesh  breed  sores,  more  loathly  and  more  foul  than 
leprosy.  Let  worms  devour  his  body  while  he  lives,  and 
after  death  doom  Thou  his  soul  to  hell.  Hear  me,  Thou 
great  Jehovah  !  Lord  God  Almighty,  hear  me  !  Amen  ! 
Amen !  Amen ! 
[A  great  peal  of  thunder,  and  vivid  flash  of  lightning. 

answer  her.     She  rushes  frantically  into  the  palace. 

HEROD  cowers  down  on  bench  and  shudders,  as  if 

terrified,  then  springs  to  his  feet.] 

HEROD. 

Jehovah!     What  have   I   to   do   with  Jehovah?     Let 
priests  prate  of  the  power  of  Israel's  God.     I  am  King, 
by  my  own  might  and  the  power  of  heathen  Rome,  that 
knows  naught  of  Jehovah.     Him  I  defy. 
[Another  roll  of  thunder  and  flash  of  lightning.     Stage 
is  darkened,  and  spirits  of  Hyrcanus  and  Aristo- 
bulus  appear  right  center,   back,  illumined  with   a 
ghastly,  blue  light.] 

Back,  phantoms,  to  your  graves.     Ye  plotted  treason, 
and  ye  got  your  dues. 


130  The  Star  of  Bethlehem 

\Spirit  of  M  \RI.\X NA  appears  center.  HEROD  stretches 
out  his  anus  toward  her  and  cries  out  in  a  voice  of 
anguish,  \ 

Marianna !     Alarianna ! 

|  77k'  first  spirits  glide  over  to  center  beside  MARIANNA, 
and  all  three  point  at  HEROD.     He  drops  down  again 
on  seat,  and  crouches  there  for  a  moment  as  if  over- 
come with  terror,  then  springs  up  again.] 
This  is  but  phantasy.     Or  stay,  perchance  it  is  a  trick 
devised  by  my  foes  to  fright  me  into  madness.     An  that 
be  so,  with  mine  own  hand  I'll  slay  these  mummers.     [He 
draws  Iiis  sword.] 

It  is  already  wet  with  blood. 

[Wipes  blade  vn  fringe  of  his  sash.     Sword  drops  from 
his  hand,  and  he  sinks  down  on  bench..   Clasps  his 
tli r oat  with  his  hand.] 
Blood!     Blood!     I  choke  with  blood! 
[Gauze  curtain  drops  in  front  of  spirits,  and  they  disap- 
pear.   Sound  as  of  a  rushing  wind  is  heard,  and  then 
of  wailing  women.  HEROD  repeats  in  a  hoarse  zvhis- 
per.] 

"In  Rama  was  there  a  voice  heard,  lamentation,  and 
weeping-  and  great  mourning.  Rachel  weeping  for  her 
children,  and  would  not  be  comforted  because  they  are 
not." 

\Shrieks  and  groans,  as  of  some  one  under  torture,  min- 
gled with  cries  of  ''Mercy!     Mercy!"     HKROD  again 
whispers] 
That  was  Pheon's  voice. 


The  Star  of  Bethlehem  131 

| .  /  great  voice  is  heard  from  above  saying,  " HEROD  thou 
art  accursed."    A  terrific  peal  of  thunder,  and  flash 
of  lightning.    HEROD  starts  to  his  feet.] 
The  wrath  of  Jehovah  is  upon  me ! 

|  Palls  on  his  face.  Curtain  is  raised  at  back,  showing 
tableau  of  Plight  into  Egypt.  MARY  seated  on  don- 
key, a  child  in  her  anus,  wrapped  in  her  mantle,  and 
JOSEPH  walking  by  her  side,  supported  by  staff. 
.Ill  is  illumined  with  a  bright  golden  light.] 


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